JERUSALEM PROTESTS GO ON DESPITE ISRAELI CONCESSION

A senior Muslim official in Jerusalem on Wednesday said that worshippers would not return to a contested shrine until Israel removes the new railings and cameras it installed after a deadly attack there.

Ikrema Sabri, the head of the Supreme Islamic Committee, said that even after Israel removed metal detectors at the site, more steps were required. He said mass prayer protests would continue until the gates of the compound were opened, metal railings and an iron bridge removed and newly installed cameras taken down.

The demand sets off the prospect of a renewed showdown ahead of Friday prayers at the site.

Israel installed the new security measures earlier this month after Arab gunmen shot and killed two police officers from within the site.

Under intense pressure, it removed the metal detectors and said it planned to install sophisticated security cameras instead.

Israel says the measures were a natural response and necessary to prevent further attacks while Palestinians claim Israel is trying to expand its control over the site.

The latest development could put Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a tough spot, as he tries to tamp out a wave of unrest that has triggered international pressure while not appearing to his hardline base as capitulating. AP