At least 16 people were arrested at dawn prayers at the Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem, Al Jazeera reports, citing the Times of Israel.

The arrests took place during the Laylat al-Qadr, also known as the night of power.

Tensions have been running high at the site as Israeli authorities have denied entry to the mosque to the vast majority of Palestinians living in the occupied West Bank during Ramadan.

Israel said children under 10, women over 50 and men over 55 of age would be allowed to pray in the Al-Aqsa Mosque if they have a valid permit. This slashes the already small percentage of those allowed to enter the site.