In another act of hostility against the Palestinians, scores of Israeli settlers stormed the al-Aqsa Mosque's courtyard in occupied al-Quds.

Eyewitnesses said the illegal settlers led by radical leaders forced their way into the Haram al-Sharif (Holy Sanctuary) courtyard, but Israeli police did not try to stop them.

Police officers later on attacked Palestinian worshipers and arrested one when they tried to apparently stop the extremist settlers from causing damage inside the courtyard.

According to reports, police also harassed other worshipers who were conducting their midday prayers at the Mosque in al-Quds (Jerusalem).

Palestinian sources said groups of right-wing Israeli extremists made three attempts on Monday to get in: First in the morning, then again at midday followed by another attempt in the afternoon.

Hatem Abdul Qader, who handles the affairs for the Palestinian Authority in al-Quds, warned that ultra-orthodox Jewish groups had planned to storm the al-Aqsa Mosque on Thursday to hold Jewish prayers.

Abdul Qader called on the Palestinians in al-Quds and Israeli Arabs to stand up to the extremist Jews and prevent them from violating the sanctity of one of Islam's holiest shrines.

Since last week, the Palestinian committee for al-Quds has said that local activists and youths will have a full-time presence at the gates of the mosque to prevent intrusions that tend to happen during Jewish holidays such as this weekend's Passover festival.