Violent clashes broke out this morning at the Temple Mount compound between thousands of Palestinian worshippers and Jerusalem police forces. Reportedly, the worshippers had stayed there overnight, accumulating rocks, bottles and other makeshift objects to be thrown at the police. Some of them tried blocking doors and entrances with piles of stones. Violence started when dozens of rioters hurled rocks at a police station in the compound and threw stones at police officers advancing toward the site on the lower south path. Upon entering the compound, police officers were attacked by rocks and bottles, responding with stun grenades. The Palestinian Red Crescent claims some 200 worshippers were injured, with 50 people taken to the hospital.

In parallel, police decided this morning to ban the ascension of Jews to the site throughout the day, to avoid further escalation. A statement issued by the police said, “After a security assessment that concluded a short while ago … the police commissioner [Kobi Shabtai] decided at this stage not to hold visits [of Jews] within the Temple Mount.” The statement also said thousands of police officers had been deployed throughout Jerusalem and its Old City since early this morning to secure the events and to protect the public’s safety.

Israel Police spokesman Commander Eli Levi said this morning police were confronted with some 8,000 rioters, who severely violated order at the site, exploiting efforts by the police commissioner in the past three weeks to enable Jews, Christians and Muslims' continued freedom of religious practice despite tensions.  

The Temple Mount — or Haram al-Sharif in Arabic — is the holiest site for Jews and the third-holiest site for Muslims. It has been considered a flashpoint and volatile spot for decades. For several years now, Jews are allowed to visit the site during certain hours on weekdays, and under numerous restrictions, but they are not allowed to pray there.