Palestinians foiled in the wee hours of Thursday an attempt by Israeli settlers to perform some religious rituals near Aqsa Mosque.

Eyewitnesses said Israeli forces arrived to the area to secure settlers withdrawal and vowed to pursue Palestinians.

Tension heightened in the previous period in East Jerusalem as Israel tightened measures at Aqsa Mosque preventing Muslims from worshiping at the holy shrine in favor of Israeli settlers.

Many clashes have been reported between Palestinians and Israeli forces near Aqsa.

Source: MENA