Police launched tear gas and flashbang grenades at worshippers gathered inside the religious complex, which includes the Al Aqsa Mosque, the third holiest site for Muslims, the Wafa news agency reported.

Last Friday, the Israeli soldiers broke into the mosque, sparking clashes with the Palestinians, who used stones in their defense.

Hundreds of them were arrested or injured during the riots, drawing harsh condemnation from the Arab and Muslim world.

According to the news outlet, the Israelis used force again this Monday to clear out the courtyards of the compound.

In recent days, a Jewish organization offered money to any Jews who enter the esplanade and perform animal sacrifices inside as part of the Pesach celebrations, a holiday that marks the beginning of the exodus of the Jews.

Under agreements reached decades ago, Jews are only allowed to visit the complex, with numerous conditions, but not pray.

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