The Israeli police clashed with Palestinians at Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa Mosque a second time on Wednesday (April 5) as the confrontations triggered a cross-border exchange of fire in Gaza and stoked fears of further violence.

Clashes erupt again at Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa Mosque, six injured

The Israeli Police said early Wednesday (April 5) that they entered the Al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem to dislodge "agitators". In a statement, the police said it was forced to enter the compound after agitators locked themselves inside the mosque with fireworks, sticks, and stones.

Israel: Clashes inside Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa mosque, injuries reported

Tension simmered between Israeli police and Palestinians ahead of Israel's "flag march" on Sunday. The procession in Jerusalem celebrates Israel's capture of the Old City in the 1967 war as Palestinians threatened the parade could lead to violence.

Violence erupts at Al Aqsa mosque; Jerusalem on high alert ahead of Israeli flag march

As Hamas and Israel continued to fire missiles at each other's territories, PM Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday that, "we continue striking Hamas while defending our citizens.

We will continue striking Hamas while defending our citizens, says PM Netanyahu