Clashes as thousands protest Israeli 'invasion' of Al Aqsa mosque

Thousands of people are reported to have gathered at the Al Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem on Friday in protest of an 'Israeli invasion' of the site on Wednesday.

Eight Jewish settlers entered the Al-Aqsa Mosque under the protection of Israeli police on Wednesday. The settlers prayed in front of the mosque before clashes broke out with Palestinian Muslims.

On Thursday Israeli occupation authorities barred the entry of Palestinians, especially women, to the mosque.

The Al-Aqsa Mosque is the third holiest site in Islam. Israeli violations at the site are a major source of anger for Palestinians, with incidents reported to be relatively common.

Reports from the protest on Friday suggest that tear gas has been used to disperse the demonstrators. One image which has been shared multiple times shows a woman being carried away after allegedly inhaling tear gas.

Demonstrators are reportedly chanting "With our blood,with our souls, we will defend you, oh Aqsa!"

According to people at the scene more than thirty-five people have been injured, ten of them women. (NewsPoint)