Muslim religious leaders in Jerusalem told worshippers on Thursday that they can once again enter the Al-Aqsa mosque compound. 
The instruction appears to mark the end of a nearly two-week long protest of Israeli security measures at the Jerusalem holy site that sparked violent clashes. 
The head of the Islamic Council, Abdul Atheem Salhab, said at a press conference that worshippers could return for afternoon prayers. 
The decision came after Israel removed the last security measures installed at the entrance to Al-Aqsa following a July 14 attack in which two Israeli police officers were killed. 
"All installations outside the gates have been removed, which is a victory to our people," Atheem Salhab said. 
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said he accepted the religious leaders' ruling but added that no decision had been reached on whether to restart normal relations with Israel.
"The prayers will happen, God willing, inside the Al-Aqsa mosque," Abbas told a press conference, moments after Muslim authorities announced an end to a nearly two-week boycott of the site over new Israeli metal detectors, cameras and railings.
Earlier, Sheikh Omar Kiswani, director of the Al-Aqsa mosque, joined Palestinian celebrations outside the compound in the early hours of Thursday after Israel removed the installations.
He was lifted onto the shoulders of joyous Palestinians and given a microphone, then said: "Don't rush my brothers to enter.
"Do not enter until after there is confirmation from the technical committee," he said, referring to a committee of Muslim officials inspecting the mosque compound.
A tense standoff has been underway between Israel and Muslim worshippers at the holy site despite the removal of metal detectors on Tuesday, with concerns of major unrest later this week if no resolution is found.
Newly installed railings and scaffolding where cameras were previously mounted had also been removed early on Thursday from at least one main entrance to the Haram al-Sharif compound, an AFP journalist reported.
The crowds grew larger overnight, with some holding up a large Palestinian flag outside Jerusalem's Old City.
Muslims have refused to enter the site and have prayed in the streets outside for more than a week after Israel installed the new security measures.
Palestinians view the move as Israel asserting further control over the site.
Deadly unrest has erupted since the new measures were introduced, with clashes breaking out around the compound and in the occupied West Bank, leaving five Palestinians dead.
A Palestinian also broke into a home in a Jewish settlement in the occupied West Bank last week and stabbed four Israelis, killing three of them.