The troubles erupted after Palestinian Muslim leaders called for "day of anger" Friday to protest against Israeli public works to repair a nearby access ramp that Muslims and Arabs have charged endangers the holy site.

Police fired stun grenades as worshippers threw stones near the compound, which is also venerated by Jewish worshippers as the Temple Mount.

"Police have been compelled to enter the Mughrabi Gate and enter the Temple Mount after the prayers today. Riots began on the Temple Mount and police are dispersing the rioters," police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld told AFP.

"Using stun grenades at the moment and they are working cautiously to disperse the rioters who were shouting Allah Akbar (God is Greatest), throwing rocks and stones," Rosenfeld added.

Further scuffles were also reported by witnesses at various entry points into Jerusalem's Old City, where the holy places are located.

Some 2,500 policemen were on duty around the Old City and Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem to prevent troubles after three days of Arab and Muslim fury about the work near the most contested religious site in the Holy Land.

Israel had restricted access to prayers at the Al-Aqsa compound to all but Muslim women, and Muslim men aged over 45 with Israeli ID cards in order to minimize the threat of violence.