An Israeli government minister has said that Jews should be allowed to pray on the Temple Mount.

Uri Ariel, who serves as Housing and Construction Minister for the right-wing Jewish Home party, said this morning during his visit to the site that: “The Temple Mount is the holiest place for the Jewish people, and must be open for prayer at every hour to every Jew.”

Jews have full access to the holy site, but can be stopped from praying if police decide that such actions could cause a public disturbance.

In the light of the ongoing peace talks between Israeli and Palestinian officials, Mr Ariel, 60, also stated his commitment to Israeli ownership of the site.

“The Temple Mount is ours, and it cannot be argued about or negotiated.”