Foundation: Israeli Jews enter Al-Aqsa compound

JERUSALEM (Ma'an) -- Over 100 Israeli Jews entered the premises of the Al-Aqsa Mosque in East Jerusalem on Tuesday to perform religious rituals, witnesses and a local group said.

The group, which arrived at intervals from 9 a.m., was accompanied by Israeli soldiers, the Al-Aqsa Foundation for Waqf and Islamic Heritage said.

Likud party candidate Moshe Feiglin also reportedly entered the mosque area.

Clashes broke out between Palestinians and Israeli soldiers and 12 people inside the Mosque area were detained, locals said.

An Israeli citizen was arrested after lying down on the ground and refusing to move, Israeli police spokesman Mickey Rosenfeld told Ma'an. A Mosque security guard was also detained by Israeli authorities, witnesses said.

The Al-Aqsa compound, containing the mosque and the Dome of the Rock, is the third holiest site in Islam and abuts the site where Jews believe the ancient Second Temple stood.