Israeli police have upped security measures in the Al Aqsa compound on Monday, installing additional corridors and iron barriers outside Al-Aqsa Gate leading to the mosque in Jerusalem, WAFA has reported.

According to a WAFA correspondent, tensions were high in Jerusalem in the aftermath of these new Israeli measure alongside the continued repressive measures taken by Israeli police against worshippers.

This comes despite warnings from from senior security officials about the risk of stoking a widening confrontation with the installation of the devices.

Palestinian Muslims have been holding the daily prayers outside the gates to the mosque, insisting that they will not enter it for worship until the metal detectors are removed.

Sheikh Muhammad Hussien, the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem, reiterated his rejection to all new Israeli security measures at Al-Aqsa Mosque, stressing that the situation must return to the way it was before July 14.

Escalating tensions come as three Palestinians assailants and two Israeli policemen were killed in a shoot-out inside the compound ojn July 14, triggering intensified Israeli security measures including metal detectors, additional surveillance cameras, and turnstiles.

The mosque was reopened on Sunday after metal detectors were installed; a move the Palestinians said they will not accept because it changes the status quo at the mosque.