JERUSALEM, May 25, 2015 (WAFA) – At least 13 Palestinians, including 6 teenagers, Monday were arrested by Israeli police in Jerusalem, while the army arrested a youth in Hebron, according to local sources.

WAFA correspondent said Israeli police arrested five Palestinians, including two elders, at the gates of al-Aqsa Mosque compound in the Old City for chanting religious slogans to fend off settlers’ attempts to tour the mosque’s yards.

The two elders, who were identified as Abu Ali Shawahneh and Abu Baker Shimi, were physically assaulted by the police before they were arrested, witnesses told WAFA.

The remaining three were identified as Qusai Dandis, Mohammad Hashlamon and Nezam Abu Rmouz.

Earlier on Monday, an Israeli police contingent stormed the neighborhood of Silwan and al-Issawiya, where they arrested six Palestinian teenagers, identified as Ahmad Ghaith, 17, Hamdi Jaber, 17, Saeed Kiswani, 16, Mohammad Mustafa Ruwaidi, 15, Ameer Mahmoud and Ahmad Atiya.

Police also arrested Laith Shalabi and Yousef Abu Rmeileh in Jerusalem’s Old City last Sunday night.

Al-Aqsa Mosque compound has been a scene of almost daily provocative visits by Israeli settlers under the protection of Israeli police. Palestinian worshippers attempt to fend off settlers’ visits through chanting religious slogans, which often leads to clashes, where Palestinians are usually arrested.

Israeli police impose restrictions on Palestinians entry into the Mosque, while allowing settlers to tour its compound.

Meanwhile in Hebron, Israeli army stormed the town of Halhoul and arrested 18-year-old Mohammad Waleed Zamaereh.

Army also set a number of checkpoints across Hebron district, where they stopped and searched Palestinian registered cars, causing traffic jams.

Meanwhile, the army closed Hebron-Jerusalem highway to allow illegal settlers to organize a marathon.

M.N./T.R.