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Israeli police clash with Palestinians at Al-Aqsa mosque

Israeli forces enter the Al-Aqsa mosque compound in Jerusalem on March 8, 2013. Clashes erupted between Palestinian worshipers and Israeli forces during Friday prayers.
Israeli forces enter the Al-Aqsa mosque compound in Jerusalem on March 8, 2013. Clashes erupted between Palestinian worshipers and Israeli forces during Friday prayers.Mahmoud Ilean / AP
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Palestinians react to tear gas fired by Israeli police during clashes after Friday prayers at a compound known to Muslims as al-Haram al-Sharif and to Jews as Temple Mount, in Jerusalem's Old City on March 8, 2013.
Palestinians react to tear gas fired by Israeli police during clashes after Friday prayers at a compound known to Muslims as al-Haram al-Sharif and to Jews as Temple Mount, in Jerusalem's Old City on March 8, 2013.Ammar Awad / Reuters
An Israeli police officer falls, engulfed in flames after Palestinian protesters threw firebombs during clashes in Jerusalem's Old City on March 8, 2013.
An Israeli police officer falls, engulfed in flames after Palestinian protesters threw firebombs during clashes in Jerusalem's Old City on March 8, 2013.Mostafa Alkharouf / Reuters
A Palestinian man is detained by Israeli security forces in Jerusalem's Old City on March 8, 2013.
A Palestinian man is detained by Israeli security forces in Jerusalem's Old City on March 8, 2013.Bernat Armangue / AP
A Palestinian woman covers her face as a stun grenade fired by Israeli police explodes nearby during clashes in Jerusalem's Old City on March 8, 2013.
A Palestinian woman covers her face as a stun grenade fired by Israeli police explodes nearby during clashes in Jerusalem's Old City on March 8, 2013.Ammar Awad / Reuters
A Palestinian man argues with Israeli police in the Old City of Jerusalem on March 8, 2013.
A Palestinian man argues with Israeli police in the Old City of Jerusalem on March 8, 2013.Abir Sultan / EPA
A Palestinian street vendor walks past Israeli security forces in Jerusalem's Old City on March 8, 2013.
A Palestinian street vendor walks past Israeli security forces in Jerusalem's Old City on March 8, 2013.Bernat Armangue / AP

By Lawahez Jabari, Producer, NBC News

TEL AVIV, Israel - Dozens of Israeli security officers and Palestinian worshipers clashed at the Al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem on Friday, amid rising tensions ahead of a visit by President Barack Obama. 

Al-Aqsa is one of Islam's holiest sites. It is also revered by Jews as the site of their Biblical temple.

Some have blamed a 2000 visit to the area by then-Likud leader Ariel Sharon and Israeli security forces for helping to spark the Palestinians' Second Uprising -- or Intifada. Read the full story.

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