Clashes have erupted after a number of Israeli soldiers entered the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem, police and witnesses said.

The presidency strongly condemns the attack by the occupier's military and police against the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the aggression against the faithful who were there.

Mahmoud Abbas, Palestinian president

The Israeli security personnel used tear gas as they entered the compound to arrest what they called Palestinian "stone throwers".

"Masked protesters who were inside the mosque threw stones and fireworks at police," said a police statement carried by AFP news agency.

A Muslim witness accused police of entering the mosque and causing damage, saying prayer mats were partially burned.

Clashes later continued outside the mosque complex, with police firing tear gas and stun grenades.