Clashes erupted in Jerusalem at the al-Aqsa mosque, known as the third-holiest site in Islam.

Dozens gathered outside the mosque to protest Israel's ground invasion into Gaza, according to the International Business Times. Protesters then clashed with Israel Defense Forces after Friday prayers.

According to Israel Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld, following Friday prayers at the mosque compound, about 200 to 300 masked youths caused disturbances by throwing stones at policemen stationed nearby. After 20 minutes of disturbances, police entered the compound and arrested seven people for rioting.

"We had been notified in advance that this was planned," said Rosenfeld, adding that Israel had imposed an age limit on people who could enter the compound, which Jews refer to as the Temple Mount and which Muslims call Haram al-Sharif, or holy sanctuary. Only men over age 50 and women were allowed in to pray on Friday, but Rosenfeld said that younger men had spent the night at the compound in preparation for the riots on Friday.

According to reports, 100 Israelis stormed the courtyard and used rubber bullets to disperse crowds.

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