PARIS - UNESCO is sending a team of experts to study the archaeological excavation at the Mugrabi Gate, which has sparked Muslim protests, the United Nations cultural body said yesterday.

Israel has said the dig aims to scour for relics before construction begins on a new bridge leading to the Temple Mount.

The excavations, which began in early February, touched off protests by Palestinians and raised Muslim fears that the compound housing al-Aqsa mosque and the Dome of the Rock could be undermined.

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The Old City of Jerusalem is on UNESCO's World Heritage list and on the World Heritage in danger list. The UN body said its experts would carry out a technical assessment of the excavation works, but did not give further details.

Israel denies any harm would come to the compound.

"I believe that such a mission constitutes the most appropriate response to the present situation and could also be a means of helping to alleviate tensions and restore a climate of confidence favorable to the dialogue that we all wish for," UNESCO director general Koichiro Matsuura said.

Israeli government spokeswoman Miri Eisin said UNESCO was welcome to inspect the site.