Israeli police on Wednesday banned a press-conference by Muslim and Christian opponents to Israeli excavation work near the Al-Aqsa mosque.

Police went to the Commodore Hotel in east Jerusalem and delivered an order canceling the event.

The mufti of Jerusalem, the leader of Israel's Islamic Movement and a Roman Orthodox archbishop in the city were to speak against the renovation, which began with an archaeological dig earlier this month.

Raed Salah, the leader of the Islamic Movement, has organized protests at the site and police banned him from the area for more than two months.

PHOTO CAPTION

Anti-Zionist Ultra-Orthodox Jews hold banners during a demonstration against the Israeli excavations near the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, in Jerusalem February 27, 20007. (Reuters)