Jerusalem, September 27 (RHC)-- Israeli forces have clashed with Palestinian worshipers at the al-Aqsa Mosque compound in East Jerusalem. The clashes broke out following Friday prayers.

Earlier in the day, Israeli forces had barred men under 50 and Palestinians living in the West Bank from entering the holy site. The restrictions forced hundreds of worshipers to pray outside the mosque. Israeli police claimed that the restrictions were meant to prevent violence following the Friday prayers. No casualties were reported, but Israeli forces made a number of arrests.

On Wednesday, more than a dozen Palestinian protesters were injured after Israeli forces shot rubber bullets and stun grenades at them during clashes around the mosque. Almost on a daily basis, Israeli troops force their way into the ranks of Palestinian worshipers, triggering scuffles.

Israeli authorities are systematically acting to change the identity and character of several Palestinian cities. A report published by the al-Aqsa Foundation in October 2013 said the Israeli regime is planning to build a synagogue at the al-Aqsa Mosque compound as part of its efforts to further Judaize the occupied Palestinian territories.

Over the past decades, Israel has tried to change the demographic makeup of Jerusalem by constructing illegal settlements, destroying historical sites and expelling the local Palestinian population.