Right-wing Israelis storm Al Aqsa compound for Hanukkah

Israeli rightists entered the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound on Monday for the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah as Palestinians protested near the Moroccan Gate.

Mosque guards told Ma'an that at least 68 Israelis entered and toured the compound under armed guard.

Palestinians gathered at the Moroccan Gate -- the entrance used by Israelis -- and protested the visit.

Three Palestinians were detained in the Old City. They were identified as Taha Shawahneh, Bassam Abu Saad and Muhammad Hassan

The site, which is holy to Jews as well as Muslims, has been the focus of months of unrest in East Jerusalem as far-right Israeli groups have sought to advance claims to sovereignty over the site and Israeli police have severely limited Palestinian access.

Local Palestinians have been infuriated by a far-right Jewish campaign to potentially divide Al-Aqsa that threatens an ultra-sensitive, decades-old status quo. 

The status of Jerusalem is one of the most contentious issues in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and the Al-Aqsa compound is the scene of frequent confrontations between protesters and police.