Violent clashes in East Jerusalem and the Old City

There have been violent clashes in Jerusalem, with disturbances concentrated in the Old City after the decision to close the al-Aqsa compound.

Hundreds of Israeli troops are deployed around the Old City, a 1 kilometre squared walled area in the east of Jerusalem.

Israeli forces expelled a group of Palestinian women, who had been guarding the compound, moving them outside the walls of the Old City, Palestine Information Centre reported.

A 20-year old was arrested after allegedly shooting fireworks towards Israeli troops in the Old City.

In Silwan, East Jerusalem, independent journalist Dan Cohen reported that tear gas was being fired into the air apparently at random.

As tension in East Jerusalem rose to simmering point, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas said he holds Israel responsible for what he called the "dangerous escalation" in the city.