Agencies - Jerusalemites were called on to observe a strike between 11 and 1pm on Monday, as Palestinian leaders in the city mobilize residents to gather at the Al-Aqsa Mosque following violent clashes the day before.

On Sunday night, Zionist forces fired tear gas and rubber-coated metal bullets at demonstrating teenagers in the Bab Hatta and Ras Al-Amoud areas. Witnesses said protests became vicious as youth threw stones at soldiers.

Palestinian national and Islamic groups in Jerusalem released a statement calling on Jerusalemites and Palestinian citizens of the occupaied territories to go to the Al-Aqsa Mosque. Observers expect a growing crowd to remain in the mosque overnight on Monday and likely Tuesday. The statement also issued the request for a two hour strike.

The statement was released Sunday following a meeting at the Ambassador Hotel in Jerusalem, where leaders and residents discussed plans to protect the mosque, and to prevent the site from attack, attendees said.

Jerusalem sheikh, Abdullah Alqam, delivered a speech at the event urging Palestinians from all corners to take up the mantle of responsibility for Islam's third holiest site, and the center of Palestinian Muslim heritage.