The BBC's Middle East correspondent, Paul Wood, says the call by some Palestinian officials for people to defend the Haram al-Sharif or Temple Mount, site of the al-Aqsa mosque, comes amid rumours of plans by Jewish extremists to take control of the area.

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It was triggered by a visit by Mr Sharon, then the main opposition leader, to the rocky outcrop in Jerusalem that Jews call Temple Mount, Muslims call Haram al-Sharif (the Noble Sanctuary) and both regard as among the holiest of places on earth.

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The day before, a Jewish fast-day, the main source of tension had been at Haram al-Sharif (Temple Mount) in Jerusalem.

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They are no longer so eager to tote a 50-pound pack for a week in the Tetons, nor hoist themselves up icy Mount Rainier in Microsoft's backyard (Al Gore's recent ascent of that peak notwithstanding).

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Inspired by a 16th century portrait of Mary Queen of Scots, who wore it as a pendant to a brooch, Taylor commissioned Cartier to design a new mount of matched natural pearls and rubies, designed by Al Durante.

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In order not to create an international crisis, Dayan made it clear that the army would not attack the Dome of the Rock and the Al-Aqsa Mosque, and immediately returned the keys to the Temple Mount to the Muslim authorities.

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