Tensions rise at disputed Jerusalem holy site Tensions in Jerusalem are escalating, with Palestinians accusing Israel of trying to change the status quo of the al-Aqsa Mosque compound, known to Muslims as Al-Haram al-Sharif, and Jews as the Temple Mount ------------------------------- Western Wall or Wailing Wall: Jews gather to hold religious services on retaining wall of mount on which ancient Temple once stood Temple Mount/Al-Haram al-Sharif Dome of the Rock Al-Aqsa mosque ------------------------------ Temple Mount (Har ha-Bayit) Holiest site in Judaism, housed two biblical Jewish temples destroyed in ancient times According to Jewish tradition, King Solomon built first Jewish temple on mount in 957 BCE, including Holy of Holies – room that housed Ark of the Covenant, which contained the Ten Commandments Jews believe that this was site of foundation stone from which world was created, and where Abraham nearly sacrificed his son Isaac In recent years there have been calls to disregard rabbinical restrictions and to reclaim Temple Mount for Jewish worship Al-Haram al-Sharif (Noble Sanctuary) Compound houses Al-Aqsa mosque – third holiest site in Islam after Al-Masjid al-Haram mosque in Mecca and Al-Masjid An-Nabawi in Medina, both in Saudi Arabia Muslims believe Prophet Muhammad travelled to Al-Aqsa from Mecca during his night journey and led prayer with all prophets Dome of the Rock shelters stone from where Muslims believe Muhammad ascended to heaven Jordan warns that any unilateral Israeli move on sanctuary could imperil 1994 peace treaty, which recognises King Abdullah II as custodian of Haram al-Sharif ------------------------------- Picture: Getty Images words 265