Palestinians pray in Bab al-Rahma area of Al-Aqsa for first time since 2003

Palestinian worshippers have entered the Bab al-Rahma (Gate of Mercy) area of the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound for the first time since 2003.

Video filmed this afternoon (February 22) shows the Palestinian flag being waved and activists singing religious chants after worshipers broke off a seal to the al-Rahma gate in East Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa Mosque compound.

The al-Rahma gate has been sealed off by Israeli authorities in 2003 until last Friday (February 15), when worshippers reportedly forced their way into the area ahead of the weekly Friday prayer, defying the Israeli ban of Muslim worshipping in the area.

Israeli police reportedly arrested 60 people overnight.