Clash at holy site in Israel

JERUSALEM — Israeli police had a brief confrontation with Palestinian protesters at Jerusalem’s most sensitive holy site early Sunday, raising tensions in the holy city ahead of the Jewish New Year.

Forces moved into the AlAqsa Mosque compound at around 7 a.m. Sunday after receiving reports that protesters were planning to disrupt visits to the area by Jewish worshippers and tourists, police said.

The protesters barricaded themselves inside the mosque and threw rocks and firecrackers at police. Police did not enter the mosque, but removed barricades around the building. Suspected pipe bombs were found at the entrance to the mosque, a police spokeswoman said.

Police released video showing lit firecrackers and other objects thrown by Palestinians inside the mosque at the officers.

There were no reports of arrests or injuries. The site was closed for three hours during the standoff but then reopened for visitors.

The hilltop compound, revered by Jews as the Temple Mount and by Muslims as the Noble Sanctuary, is a frequent site for violence.

Since Israel captured east Jerusalem from Jordan in 1967, Jewish worshippers have been allowed to visit, but not pray, at the site. The area is administered by Muslim officials and is under Jordanian custody.