Foundation calls to halt Al-Aqsa 'provocation'

The Al-Aqsa Foundation urged an end to "provocative" Israeli visits to the Al-Aqsa compound in Jerusalem's Old City on Wednesday, after a police-escorted tour in the early morning. Israeli police deployed throughout the compound, guarding several dozen Israelis who came to pray at the site, the foundation said in a statement. The visit brought a "high state of tension" to worshipers and students at the Al-Aqsa Mosque. It called on Islamic nations and leaders to end provocation of Palestinians at the holy site. Israeli police spokesman Mickey Rosenfeld said the tour was a "regular visit, as on every day." The Al-Aqsa compound, containing the mosque and the Dome of the Rock, is the third holiest site in Islam and abuts the site where Jews believe the ancient Second Temple stood. Some in the far right in Israel propose building a "Third Temple" at the site.