Israeli intelligence operatives violate the religious site of Haram al-Sharif in Jerusalem (al-Quds), detaining a journalist who documented the intrusion.

Plainclothes Israeli agents intruded into the compound and took picture of its different corners Friday, Palestinian Ma'an news agency reported, quoting the Al-Aqsa Foundation for Endowment and (Preservation of Muslim) Heritage.

The police force accompanying the undercover agents reportedly detained the organization's journalist, Mahmoud Abu Atta, who had caught the intrusion on camera.

Israeli agents seized the memory card of Atta's camera before releasing him.

The Haram al-Sharif (Holy Sanctuary), located in the Old City of Jerusalem (al-Quds), houses the Islamic shrine of Qubbat As-Sakhrah (the Dome of the Rock) as well as Al-Aqsa Mosque -- the third holiest Islamic site.

Religious activists, Palestinians and Arab Israelis blame Israel for commonly disrespecting the compound.

The groups accuse Tel Aviv of arranging high-profile visits to the site in order to insult the sanctity of the holy mosque and provoke riots.

In 2000, former Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon attended the site sparking the second Palestinian uprising, the Al-Aqsa Intifada. Recently Internal Security Minister Yitzhak Aharonovitch, accompanied by police officials and guards, toured Haram al-Sharif's courtyard.

Ultra-orthodox Jewish groups also lead occasional rampages around the Mosque causing damages and destruction in the absence of intervention by the Israeli police.

HN/MB/MMN