The Israeli air force has launched attacks on Hamas targets after the Gaza terror group fired rockets into Jerusalem.

The escalation came following an ultimatum issued by Hamas for Israel to remove its forces from the Temple Mount. 

Rocket sirens sounded on Monday in the Jerusalem area moments after Hamas had called for Israeli forces to step back from Temple Mount.

There were reports of the police evacuating the square followed by “three loud explosions heard in central Jerusalem.”

A spokesman for the Hamas military wing told Haretz the organization "fired rockets at occupied Jerusalem, in response to the enemy's crimes and aggression against the holy city, and its abuse of out people in Sheikh Jarrah and Al-Aqsa Mosque."

Earlier on Monday, the Israeli military increased its presence along the Gaza border amid violent clashes between Israeli police and Palestinian protesters in Jerusalem.

Police trying to disperse the Flags March so they’ll take shelter in City Hall compound. Kids steaming back in to the square and chanting “death to the Arabs!” pic.twitter.com/OZhqbMcORy

— Anshel Pfeffer אנשיל פפר (@AnshelPfeffer) May 10, 2021

The Israeli military confirmed that seven rockets were launched toward Jerusalem and one of them was intercepted by anti-rocket defence system Iron Dome. 

“According to the IDF a salvo of 7 rockets were fired towards Jerusalem. 1 was intercepted by Iron Dome. Unclear if the other rockets caused any damage or casualties,” tweeted journalist Anshel Pfeffer.

A spokesman for the Hamas militant group said it had given Israel "an ultimatum until 6 P.M." to withdraw its security forces from Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa mosque compound and the city's Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood.

Israeli residents in Gaza border communities were instructed to stay far from the border fence, fearing sniper or rocket fire.