A U.N. inspection team vindicated an Israeli archaeological dig in Jerusalem but said it should proceed under foreign supervision. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization sent a team to inspect the Western Wall Plaza last month following Muslim allegations that Israeli excavations there threatened the foundations of two major mosques on the nearby Temple Mount.
UNESCO’s findings, which were leaked to the press Wednesday, agreed with Israeli assertions that the dig was being conducted according to professional standards. But UNESCO also said it was concerned that Israel’s Antiquities Authority had apparently not planned the extent of the excavations, which are meant to salvage artifacts before a walkway to the Temple Mount is repaired. UNESCO urged Israel to suspend work, consult with Jordanian and Palestinian authorities, and resume only with international supervision. Israeli officials had no immediate comment.
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