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Clashes in Jerusalem's al-Aqsa compound continue

Xinhua, September 15, 2015 Adjust font size:

Clashes between Israeli police and Palestinian protesters continued on Tuesday at East Jerusalem's flashpoint al-Aqsa compound for the third consecutive day of violence at the holy site.

Police spokeswoman said that Israeli forces raided the compound to disperse a group of protesters who barricaded themselves inside the mosque overnight.

She said the protesters threw rocks and firecrackers in order to prevent Jewish visitors to the site. The police found in the compound piles of planks and rocks stockpiled by the protesters.

A group of protesters remained inside the compound but police managed to open the site for Jewish visitors, Samri said.

There were no immediate reports of injuries.

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

Jews are allowed to visit the site but not to pray there. Palestinians see these visits as a provocation, and fear Israel plans to claim the compound and to demolish the al-Aqsa mosque.

Jordan's King Abdullah II, warned Israel on Monday that "any more provocation in Jerusalem will affect relationship between Jordan and Israel," adding that "Jordan will not have a choice but to take actions, unfortunately."

The raids were also condemned by the Palestinian National Authority and Egypt.

U.S. State Department spokesman John Kirby said the U.S. is "deeply concerned by the recent violence and escalating tensions surrounding the Haram al-Sharif /Temple Mount." He urged both sides to "exercise restraint." Endit