Jewish pilgrims have clashed with Christian worshippers at a prominent Catholic place of worship in Israel.

Clashes took place on Wednesday evening at Stella Maris in Hafia. It is said to be the burial place of Prophet Elisha, the successor of Prophet Elijah, making it a popular site of pilgrimage. 

It is understood clashes with Catholic worshippers were triggered when several dozen pilgrims, most of them belonging to the Breslov Hasidic movement, arrived at the church.

It is not clear how the clashes began specifically but they ended without serious injury. Israeli police, however, did briefly block surrounding roads.

It comes as thousands of Christians are expected to protest at Stella Maris on Thursday in response to recent attempts by Haredi Jews to pray near the church. Christians have formed guard groups to prevent this prayer.

This is not the first time that Christians have protested at the church.

Last month, hundreds demonstrated outside Stella Maris after a Christian man was arrested for assaulting two Jews on the slopes of Mount Carmel. 

Bresolv pilgrims have added the church to their itinerary of trips to the graves of Jewish prophets. Pilgrims told the Times of Israel that they seek to pray outside the church while touching the building.