Dozens of Israeli soldiers raided the holy site on Friday and fired tear gas and rubber-coated steel bullets at the Muslim worshipers, Ma’an reported.

Director of Al-Aqsa clinic Adnan Khanafseh stated that the 18 people were treated in the compound's clinics for fractures, injuries from stun grenade splinters, and rubber-coated steel bullets.

A child and a 40-year-old man were among the people treated, and three people were transferred to hospital for further treatment, Khanafseh added.

An Israeli police spokesman claimed the clashes erupted after "tens of Israeli-Arabs" threw stones at the regime forces stationed at the Moroccan Gate.

He further added that seven people were detained for involvement in the clashes.

Witnesses, however, insisted that the arrests were made by Israeli intelligence officers as youths left the holy compound.

Clashes also broke out in Bab Hutta neighborhood at the same time.

Israeli forces blocked off a gate leading to the al-Qabli mosque and pepper sprayed youths in the area.

Because of the sensitive nature of the Al-Aqsa compound, the Israeli regime maintains a compromise with the Islamic trust that controls it to not allow non-Muslim prayers in the area.

However, regime forces regularly escort Zionist visitors to the site, leading to tension with Palestinian worshipers.

The compound, which sits just above the Western Wall plaza, houses both the Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa mosque, which is considered the third holiest site in Islam.

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