JERUSALEM, September 26, 2013 (WAFA) – Fanatic Israelis continued Thursday their provocative tours of al-Aqsa Mosque compound, one of Islam’s holiest sites, in Jerusalem’s Old City, according to witnesses.

They said groups of hard-line Israelis entered the compound through Magharbeh Gate from the Western Wall side and toured the compound under heavy police protection.

Police set up human barricades between the Israelis and Palestinians who were present inside the compound to prevent any direct contact between them.

This tour and many others held during the past week as Israelis marked their religious Sukkot holiday have provoked serious clashes between police and Palestinians, who confronted attempts by the Israelis to change the status quo in the all-Muslim compound.

Israeli Jews believe the compound is the site of their destroyed temples and therefore they are demanding free access and prayer inside it.

Palestinians fear the Israelis want to eventually destroy the Dome of the Rock, which adorns al-Aqsa compound, and rebuild their temple in its place.

M.S.