Israeli police arrested on Saturday 15 Palestinians who were suspected of attack police in a protest against Israel's excavation near an Islamic holy site in Old City of Jerusalem.

Israeli daily Yedioth Ahronoth reported on its website that 15 Palestinians were arrested on suspicion of hurling stones at police officers in the Old City of Jerusalem.

No injuries were reported in all the incidents, it added.

The clash was a late escalation of a protest launched by Muslims against Israel's excavation near al-Aqsa Mosque, the third holiest site for Muslims.

On Friday, Israeli police used tear gas and stun grenades to disperse Muslim worshippers, who rioted after Friday prayers.

The Israeli Antiquities Authority on Tuesday began a salvage excavation in the Jerusalem Archeological Park, sitting beneath the al-Aqsa Mosque compound, for the purpose of erecting supporting pillars for a permanent and safe bridge leading to the entrance of the compound.

However, the excavation triggered protest among Muslims, who considered it as a damage to al-Aqsa Mosque.

Muslim and Arab countries across the Middle East also have condemned the excavation despite Israel's promise to secure the al- Aqsa Mosque during the construction.

Source: Xinhua