Palestinians clash with Israeli security forces at Jerusalem holy site despite 'resolution of access crisis'
Palestinian protesters have clashed with the Israeli security forces at the holy compound known as Temple Mount in Judaism and Haram al-Sharif in Islam, despite the official resolution of a two-week stand off over access to the site.
Worshippers were urged to return to the compound's al-Aqsa mosque for afternoon prayers on Thursday after the site's religious authority Waqf declared that it was satisfied Israel had removed new security measures such as metal detectors and CCTV cameras.
Violence broke out as Muslim worshippers tried to enter the compound, however, in stark contrast to the overnight celebrations over Israel's capitulation to protesters' demands.
Police fired stun grenades, tear gas and rubber bullets and Palestinians threw stones inside the complex in ongoing fighting that has left at least 37 injured, the Red Cross said.
Sound bombs were also used to control the crowd of thousands as it tried to surge through both the Hutta and Lion's Gates. The Israeli authorities had argued the new security measures were necessary after Palestinian gunmen killed two Israeli police officers near the compound on 14 July.
The decision was met with uproar by Palestinians and Muslims across the world, who viewed it as an Israeli attempt to exert more control over the politically sensitive site.
Almost two weeks of tension have followed, including worshippers praying outside al-Aqsa in protest and street clashes which have left at least four Palestinians dead. In the occupied West Bank, a Palestinian attacker killed three Israeli settlers in their home.
In an effort to deescalate the growing crisis Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's cabinet voted to dismantle the security on Monday.