JERUSALEM, March 30, 2017 (WAFA) – Muslim worshippers at Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem confronted Jewish fanatics on Thursday who attempted to perform religious rituals inside the Muslim holy compound, according to witnesses.

Dozens of fanatics held provocative visits to Al-Aqsa Mosque and walked around the compound under heavy Israeli police protection.

When the fanatics attempted to perform religious ritual, which is against visit rules, Muslim worshippers stopped them with protest cheers.

Provocative tours by the Jewish fanatics have increased in recent days with the approach of the Jewish Passover holiday.

Muslims fear the fanatics want to take over their mosque, the third holiest in Islam after Mecca and Medina in Saudi Arabia, and turn it into a Jewish temple.

M.K.