What is behind the clashes in Jerusalem?

Palestinians run from stun grenades fired by Israeli police officers during clashes at Damascus Gate just outside Jerusalem’s Old City (Oded Balilty/AP)

For weeks now, Palestinian protesters and Israeli police have clashed on a daily basis in and around Jerusalem’s Old City, home to major religious sites sacred to Jews, Christians and Muslims and the emotional epicentre of the Middle East conflict.

Jerusalem has been the scene of violent confrontations between Jews and Arabs for 100 years and remains one of the most bitterly contested cities on earth.