The ongoing conflict between Palestine and Israel saw escalated violence on Monday, during Israel’s celebration of “Jerusalem Day” at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, located on what Muslims call Haram al-Sharif and Jews call the Temple Mount.

The Jerusalem Post reported that rioting started in Jerusalem after rockets were fired towards the capital, with clashes between the police and Palestinians at the Damascus Gate.  

More than 300 Palestinians were injured in clashes with police who fired rubber bullets, stun grenades, and tear gas in the compound, at least seven people were reported to be in serious condition, the Palestinian Red Crescent noted.  

In response to the violence, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called a security cabinet meeting on Monday afternoon due to the heightened tensions.

“The terrorist organisations crossed a red line on Jerusalem Day and attacked us, on the outskirts of Jerusalem,” Mr Netanyahu said. “Israel will respond very forcefully. We will not tolerate attacks on our territory, our capital, our citizens, and our soldiers. Whoever strikes us will pay a heavy price.”

Reuters reported that Israeli Lieutenant-Colonel Jonathan Conricus noted at least six of the 45 rockets fired from Gaza were launched towards Jerusalem’s outskirts, though no casualties were reported. 

The violence broke up despite the police changing the traditional route of the Jerusalem Day march, making it the first time in decades that officials prevented the march through Damascus Gate, a major entry point to the Old City and a Palestinian gathering area.  
The Jerusalem Day march marks Israel’s capture of East Jerusalem in the Six-Day War of 1967.

On Friday, The Islamic Movement in Israel condemned the actions of Israeli Police and demanded that they immediately retreat their forces from the Temple Mount region after violent clashes between police and worshippers at the Aqsa Mosque recorded 17 injured policemen and 205 Palestinian demonstrators during the final prayers of Ramadan.

The U.S. and international bodies are attempting to diffuse the tension on both sides and halt the violence.

“We are extremely concerned about ongoing confrontations in Jerusalem, including on the Haram al-Sharif/Temple Mount and in Sheikh Jarrah,” Ned Price, the State Department spokesman tweeted on Friday.