AT least 12 Palestinian worshippers were injured as Israeli police stormed the al-Aqsa mosque in occupied Jerusalem yesterday after Hamas warned Tel Aviv against crossing a red line. 

The Palestinian resistance group issued a statement as right-wing groups threatened to visit the sacred site on what they call Independence Day. 

Hamas said that allowing illegal settlers to flock the courtyards of the mosque “is playing with fire and drags the region into an escalation for which the occupation will bear full responsibility.”

Despite this Israeli police smashed down a gate and fired tear gas and sound grenades into the compound to allow Israeli settlers to enter the holy site as people prayed.

One Palestinian was arrested and at least 12 were injured in the assault which came after a 10-day pause in hostilities. 

More than 300 Palestinians are said to have been injured since an Israeli offensive against al-Aqsa began during the holy month of Ramadan.  

The far-right BeYadeynu group declared: “This Independence Day begins in blue and white on the Temple Mount,” ahead of yesterday’s assault. 

They were referring to the Israeli name for the holy site which is of importance to Christians, Jews and Muslims.

The Israeli government insists it is committed to the status quo which allows for Muslims to pray at al-Aqsa with others allowed to visit at certain dates and times. 

But far-right Israeli lawmaker Itamar Ben-Gvir entered the compound yesterday, calling for the government to change the status quo of the holy site by constructing Jewish synagogues and temples there.

Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem praised Palestinians for their great bravery and steadfastness in the face of the Israeli attacks.