The weeks of clashes initially began when police blocked the plaza outside the Bab el-Amud (Damascus Gate), a popular gathering spot for Al-Quds’ Palestinian residents during Ramadan. The barriers were later removed.
The tensions were compounded by growing anger over the potential eviction of several Palestinian families from their homes in the East Al-Quds’ neighborhood of Sheikh Jarrah.
Despite heavy police presence at the site Monday morning, clashes erupted once again shortly after 8am, with Palestinians hurling stones at officers, who responded by firing stun grenades.
Palestinian medics said at least 250 Palestinians were hurt in the violence at the al-Aqsa compound, including 153 who were hospitalized.
"There are wounded people who suffered direct damage from rubber bullets to their heads," said the spokesperson for the Red Cross.
Israel Police said at least 16 officers were wounded, including one who was hospitalized.
Palestinian Islamic resistance movement, Hamas on Monday morning called for Palestinians to keep fighting at the site.
"What is happening at al-Aqsa - the breach of a house of prayer and attack on the worshipers and those within it - is a religious war being waged by Israel. This is proof of the cruelty of the Zionist occupation," the group said.
"We are calling on our compatriots to keep resisting this breach. Israel will pay a high price for the attack on the Al-Aqsa and the worshipers."