Clashes erupt at Al-Aqsa mosque compound: Israel police

JERUSALEM - Agence France-Presse

AFP photo

Clashes broke out between masked Palestinians and Israeli security forces at Jerusalem's flashpoint Al-Aqsa mosque compound on Sept. 27, the last day of the Muslim Eid al-Adha holiday, police said.

A police statement said young Palestinians "threw stones and fireworks at police and border police forces," who responded with "riot dispersal means".
 
Tensions in and around the compound have been running high in recent weeks, which have also seen Jews mark their High Holidays.
 
Al-Aqsa, the third holiest site in Islam, is also venerated by Jews as the Temple Mount and is considered the most sacred place in Judaism.
 
Muslims have been alarmed by an increase in visits by Jews and fear rules governing the compound will be changed. Jews are allowed to visit but not to pray to avoid provoking tensions.
 
Age restrictions on Muslim men entering the compound had been lifted on Sept. 27, while visits by Jews were stopped.    

Police said the situation was currently "under control."