Police, Palestinians clash at Jerusalem holy site

Clashes broke out Sunday at al-Aqsa mosque complex in East Jerusalem after Israeli forces stormed in the compound, officials said.

Dozens of policemen entered the holy site and Palestinians hurled stones and fireworks at them, a police spokesperson said in a statement.

The spokesperson said the forces arrived in early morning to clear the way for Jewish visitors to the site ahead of the Jewish New Year, which will begin at sunset.

Shortly afterward, Jewish hardliners entered the site, including far-right cabinet minister Uri Arial.

Al-Aqsa is the third holiest site for Islam and located in the Temple Mount Haram al-Sharif site, which Jews revered as the site of their biblical temple.

Much religious and political tensions between Israel and Palestinians occurred around the holy compound, which frequently become a flashpoint for violence.

Tensions have been on the rise since Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon last week outlawed two Muslim groups that have been protesting against visits by Israeli Jews to the compound. Endit