Meeting came as violence-filled Ramadan draws to a close.

The Muslim "keymaster" of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem's Old City announced that he will not welcome US Vice President Mike Pence, while church officials have given no credence to the impromptu boycott.

The majority of Jewish history took place before Muhammad's birth.

In an effort to uncover the original rock surface where Jesus' body was laid, the main Christian communities that govern the church have allowed a work crew only 60 hours to excavate the Edicule, the inner sanctum that covers what is believed to be the original cave where Jesus is said to have been entombed and resurrected.

A team of experts began a historic renovation on Monday at the spot where Christians believe Jesus was buried, overcoming longstanding religious rivalries to carry out the first repairs at the site in more than 200 years.

Feuding Christian factions at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem have for once agreed - the Muslim Kingdom of Jordan will pay to renovate the church.