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Israeli police clash with Palestinian protesters at sensitive Jerusalem holy site

Associated Press
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Palestinians chant slogans during a protest in Jerusalem's old city, Sunday, Sep. 13, 2015. Israeli police briefly clashed with Palestinian protesters at Jerusalem's most sensitive holy site early Sunday, raising tensions in the holy city ahead of the Jewish New Year. (AP Photo/Tsafrir Abayov) (The Associated Press)

Men pray ahead of the Jewish New Year at the Western Wall, the holiest site where Jews can pray, in Jerusalem's old city, Sunday, Sep. 13, 2015. Israeli police briefly clashed with Palestinian protesters at Jerusalem's most sensitive holy site early Sunday, raising tensions in the holy city ahead of the Jewish New Year.(AP Photo/Tsafrir Abayov) (The Associated Press)

Men pray ahead of the Jewish New Year at the Western Wall, the holiest site where Jews can pray, in Jerusalem's old city, Sunday, Sep. 13, 2015. Israeli police briefly clashed with Palestinian protesters at Jerusalem's most sensitive holy site early Sunday, raising tensions in the holy city ahead of the Jewish New Year.(AP Photo/Tsafrir Abayov) (The Associated Press)

Israeli police say they have restored calm around Jerusalem's most sensitive holy site after early-morning clashes with Palestinian protesters.

Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld says police moved into the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound at around 7 a.m. Sunday. He says police had received reports that the protesters were planning to disrupt visits to the area by Jewish worshippers. The clashes took place hours before the onset of the Jewish New Year.

Israeli police say the protesters threw rocks and firecrackers at police as they barricaded themselves inside the mosque. There were no reports of arrests or injuries, though Rosenfeld says police may arrest protesters when they exit the building. The site was opened to visitors.

The hilltop compound is revered by both Jews and Muslims and is a frequent flashpoint of violence.