Clashes in Israel. Muslims gathered near the mosque confronted ultra-nationalists. Hundreds of ultra-nationalist Jews guarded by riot police streamed their way into the Jerusalem compound revered both in Judaism and Islam.

The highly provocative visit came during the final days of the holy month of Ramadan when Muslims flock to pray at the compound"s al-Aqsa mosque, the third-holiest site in Islam where non-Muslim prayer has been banned since 1187.

Police fired tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse worshippers, some of whom threw stones and chairs as the Jewish groups walked across the esplanade in front of the al-Aqsa.