Jerusalem: Jewish settlers and hardliners on Monday stormed the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied Jerusalem under heavy police escort in the latest breach of one of Islam's holiest shrines.

According to Jordan News Agency, the Jerusalem Islamic Waqf Department, the custodian of the compound, said in a statement that dozens of settlers broke into the complex from Al Mughrabi Gate in the early morning hours. The settlers performed prayers, which was seen as a provocation against Muslim worshippers and mosque guards.