The Palestinian presidency on Thursday condemned repeated visits by Jewish groups to the Muslim' s Al-Aqsa Mosque in the Old City of Jerusalem.

Palestinian worshippers there usually clash with Israeli police that escort those groups.

Nabil Abu Rdineh, spokesman for the Palestinian presidency, described the visits as "provocative, serious" break-in that " completes a series of raids by extremists on sacred mosques and churches."

Abu Rdineh called on the international community to "force Israeli authorities to stop these provocations that harm the freedom of worship."

About 40 right-wing extremists entered the flashpoint compound Thursday morning to pray, as Muslims who were deployed there from the beginning clashed with the Jews.

Al-Aqsa Mosque, situated in the walled compound, is the third holiest shrine in Islam. Inside the compound is also the Western Wall plaza, which Israel calls Temple Mount and is considered the holiest place in Judaism.

Israel occupied Jerusalem in 1967. The Palestinians want its eastern part, which includes the Old City, as a future capital.