World

Clashes rock Jerusalem's Al Aqsa compound for second day

Police says masked youths fled inside the mosque and threw stones at the force

Afp September 14, 2015

palestinians shout slogans in front of israeli security forces who block a road leading to the al aqsa mosque compound in jerusalem 039 s old city on september 13 2015 palestinians clashed with israeli police at al aqsa mosque compound just hours before the start of the jewish new year photo afp

Palestinians shout slogans in front of Israeli security forces who block a road leading to the Al Aqsa mosque compound in Jerusalem's Old City on September 13, 2015. Palestinians clashed with Israeli police at Al Aqsa mosque compound just hours before the start of the Jewish New Year. PHOTO: AFP

JERUSALEM: Muslims and Israeli police clashed at Jerusalem's flashpoint Al Aqsa mosque compound for a second straight day on Monday, prompting at least three arrests, police said.

"As the police entered the compound masked youths fled inside the mosque and threw stones at the force," a police statement said.

Read: Clashes rock Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa mosque compound

Israeli police run towards Palestinian protesters during clashes in the east Jerusalem Arab neighbourhood of Issawiya following unrest at the Al-aqsa mosque compounds between Palestinians and Israeli police on September 13, 2015. PHOTO: AFP

Police said they entered the hilltop compound to ensure that Muslim youths massing there did not harass Jews or tourists during the morning visiting hours. The site is sacred to both Jews and Muslims.

The statement added that three protesters were arrested and visits went ahead as planned to the site, the third-holiest in Islam and venerated by Jews as the Temple Mount.

PHOTO: AFP

An AFP journalist outside the gate saw a Jewish visitor leaving the compound scuffle with Muslims outside.

Non-Muslims are allowed to visit the compound, but Jews must not pray or display national symbols for fear of triggering tensions with Muslim worshippers.

PHOTO: AFP

Read: Israel orders demolition of mosque in East Jerusalem

Muslims fear Israel will seek to change rules governing the site, with far-right Jewish groups pushing for more access and even efforts by fringe organisations to erect a new temple.

Israel seized east Jerusalem, where Al Aqsa is located, in the Six Day War of 1967 and later annexed it in a move never recognised by the international community.