Israelis storm Al-Aqsa Mosque compound as military detain Palestinians in Bethlehem

 Israelis stormed the Al-Aqsa Mosque, the holiest place for Palestinian Muslims, under heavy security from the police.

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Al-Aqsa Mosque compound is frequently targeted by Israeli settlers [Getty]

Israelis stormed the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound on Monday, the holiest Muslim site in the Palestinian territories, under the protection of Israeli police.

Dozens of settlers stormed Al-Aqsa from the Magharba Gate and performed Talmudic rituals in its courtyards, locals told The New Arab.

Groups of extremist settlers periodically storm the Muslim holy place under the pretext of performing prayers there, with the incursions often leading to confrontations with Palestinian youths.

Old Jerusalem has witnessed increased tensions after Israeli forces enacted new strict security measures with worshippers visiting Al-Aqsa being searched by soldiers.

Meanwhile, the Israeli army detained 10 Palestinians across the West Bank and East Jerusalem, according to Palestinian security sources.

"Two of the Palestinians were arrested in East Jerusalem, two in the West Bank city of Bethlehem, five in Ramallah town of Naalin, and a lecturer in Hebron," the sources told The New Arab.

Israeli forces often carry out overnight raids in the occupied West Bank, detaining Palestinians often without charge.