Police there and Arab protestors have clashed at a holy compound in Jerusalem. The incident has heightened tensions at the site, sacred to both Jews and Muslims.

The clash marked the latest wave of violence amid ongoing unrest at the hilltop compound.

The site is known to Jews as the Temple Mount, and to Muslims as the Noble Sanctuary.

Violence erupted after Israeli police stepped up security in response to local Muslim leaders' call for Arabs to defend the holy compound. Muslim leaders described police presence at the site as a "Jewish conquest."

The protests were triggered by rumors among local Arabs that Jewish extremists would harm the temple.

After several rounds of clashes, dozens of protesters were still holed up inside the mosque at mid afternoon.

Three police officers were lightly wounded, and 15 protesters were arrested.

Israel's Minister of Science and Technology said the police had to respond to the riot very strongly.

Daniel Hershkowitz, Israel's Minister of Science and Technology, said, "If there is any discrimination at the Temple Mount, it's against Jews and not for Jews, not against the Arabs so there is no reason for those riots and in a state of law and order they should be handled properly."

Hamas claimed the Al-Aqsa mosque was in danger during an address in Gaza on Sunday.

Fawzi Barhoum, Hamas Spokesman, said, "This proves that Al-Aqsa is in danger and requires the start of the real battle of Palestinian and Arab and Muslim countries with all parts and tools to support Al-Aqsa Mosque."

The disputing claims to the hilltop compound in Jerusalem's Old City lie at the heart of the Israel-Palestinian conflict.

The site has been under Israeli control since 1967, but it is administered by a Muslim religious body.