Israeli security forces prevent Palestinians from entering the Al Aqsa mosque compound to attend the Friday prayers. AFP

Palestinians clashed with Israeli police at the Al Aqsa mosque compound in Jerusalem on Friday as thousands gathered for prayers during the Holy Month of Ramadan.

Medics said more than 150 Palestinians were wounded in the most serious violence at the site in nearly a year.

Israeli forces scuffle with a Palestinian man as he tries to enter Al Aqsa mosque to attend the Friday prayers. AFP

Hours after the clashes began, the police said they had put an end to the violence and arrested "hundreds” of suspects.

The mosque was re-opened, and some 60,000 people attended the main Friday prayers midday, according to the Islamic endowment that administers the site.

After prayers, thousands of Palestinians marched around the esplanade, chanting "with our souls, with our blood, we sacrifice for you, Al Aqsa,” in addition to slogans in support of Hamas, the group that rules Gaza. Some carried Palestinian and Hamas flags.

Worshippers clean up debris following clashes between Palestinian demonstrators and Israeli police. AFP

The Palestinian Red Crescent emergency service said it treated 152 people, many of them wounded by rubber-coated bullets or stun grenades, or beaten with batons. The endowment said one of the guards at the site was shot in the eye with a rubber bullet.

Neighbouring Jordan, which has custodianship over the holy site, and the Palestinian Authority issued a joint statement accusing Israel of "a dangerous and condemnable escalation that threatens to explode the situation.”

An Israeli security forces member moves into position during clashes with Palestinian protesters. Reuters

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, speaking at a holiday gathering with security officials, said authorities "are working to calm things on the Temple Mount and throughout Israel. At the same time, we are prepared for any scenario."

Associated Press