Israeli police confront Palestinian protesters at Jerusalem's Al Aqsa Mosque

Hamas accuses Israeli authorities of 'playing with fire' by allowing Jews to enter the site

Israeli police detain a man after violence broke out during a visit by a group of Jewish people to the Al Aqsa mosque compound in the Old City of Jerusalem. All photos unless otherwise stated: AFP

Israeli police said they had repelled ‘dozens of rioters' who had been ’throwing stones and other objects’ at security forces.

Israeli police fired rubber bullets at the compound and briefly entered the mosque, where worshippers had taken shelter.

Dozens of Palestinians gathered and chanted 'God is greatest' as Jewish groups arrived at the site.

Palestinian factions including Hamas, the militant group which rules Gaza, called on Muslim worshippers to gather at Al Aqsa on Thursday.

Hamas accused Israeli authorities of 'playing with fire' by allowing Jews to visit the site.

The resumption of tours within the grounds of the Old City site follows a customary pause during the final days of Ramadan.

The Al Aqsa Mosque compound is the third-holiest site in Islam and the most important site for Jews, who are permitted to visit but not pray at the site.

The Palestinian Red Crescent Society said their medics did not treat any wounded worshippers on Thursday morning.

Protesters clash with the Israeli security forces. Reuters

The latest confrontations in the Old City come as Israel celebrates Independence Day, which marks the establishment of the state in 1948. Reuters

Israeli police confronted Palestinian protesters at Al Aqsa Mosque compound on Thursday as Muslim worshippers opposed the return of Jewish visitors to the holy site in Jerusalem.

The resumption of tours within the grounds of the Old City site follows a customary pause during the final days of Ramadan.

Israeli police fired rubber bullets at the compound and briefly entered the mosque, where worshippers had taken shelter.

Dozens of Palestinians gathered and chanted “God is greatest” as Jewish groups arrived at the site.

Israeli police said “rioters” threw rocks and other objects, slightly injuring one officer.

The Palestinian Red Crescent Society said medics transferred two wounded people to hospital.

Jerusalem’s Al Aqsa Mosque compound is the third-holiest site in Islam and the most important site for Jews, who are permitted to visit but not pray at the site. It sits above the Western Wall which is the focal point of Jewish prayers in Jerusalem.

Among those to visit the compound on Thursday was Itamar Ben-Gvir, a far-right politician who lives in an Israeli settlement in the occupied West Bank.

Palestinian factions including Hamas, the militant group which rules Gaza, called on Muslim worshippers to gather at Al Aqsa on Thursday.

Eid Al Fitr at Al Aqsa — in pictures

Muslims take part in morning Eid Al Fitr prayers, marking the end of Ramadan, at Al Aqsa compound in Old Jerusalem. AFP

There was a peaceful atmosphere at Al Aqsa, which was the scene of violent clashes at the start of the holy month. AFP

Balloons are displayed in front of the Damascus Gate in Jerusalem's Old City in the run-up to morning Eid Al Fitr prayers. AFP

A Muslim man hands out sweets, with the Dome of the Rock mosque in the background, after morning Eid Al Fitr prayer at the Al Aqsa compound in Old Jerusalem. AFP

Muslim celebrate the end of this year's Ramadan in front of the Dome of the Rock mosque. AFP

Muslims play with their children as they celebrate Eid Al Fitr in Old Jerusalem. AFP

The sun shines on the Al Aqsa Mosque compound, as Eid Al Fitr marks the end of the holy month and the end of fasting for Muslims. AFP

A Muslim girl poses for a picture in front of the Dome of the Rock mosque after the morning Eid Al Fitr prayer, at the Al Aqsa compound in Old Jerusalem. AFP

A clown throws gifts during celebrations after Palestinians performed Eid Al Fitr prayers in Jerusalem's Old City. Reuters

Balloons are displayed in front of the Damascus Gate to mark the end of Ramadan. AFP

A clown takes a selfie with boys during celebrations with Palestinians in Jerusalem's Old City. Reuters

A man offers his young girl a better view of a balloon during Eid Al Fitr celebrations in Jerusalem's Old City. Reuters

Hamas accused Israeli authorities of “playing with fire” by allowing Jews to enter the site.

Gaza militants and Israel fought an 11-day war a year ago, after weeks of violence at Al Aqsa and elsewhere in occupied East Jerusalem.

The latest confrontations in the Old City come as Israel celebrates Independence Day, which marks the establishment of the state in 1948.

East Jerusalem and its ancient holy sites were captured by Israeli forces in the 1967 Arab-Israeli war.

Israelis will celebrate seizing the eastern part of Jerusalem later this month, with an annual rally through the Old City by marchers carrying Israeli flags.

On the eve of Independence Day, prime minister Naftali Bennett praised a “booming economy, a powerful military and a vibrant democracy with the most diverse government in Israel’s history”.

The Israeli air force marked the occasion by staging a flyover which included Jerusalem and Hebron, a flashpoint city in the West Bank.

In Tel Aviv, Mayor Ron Huldai scrapped the coastal city's fireworks display due to concerns for veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

— Agencies contributed to this report