Organization of the Islamic Conference Secretary General Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu has strongly condemned the Israeli troops’ assault on the Al-Aqsa Mosque and warned of dangerous consequences.

Ihsanoglu said the illegal entry of Israeli police into the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound on Sunday violated international law protecting houses of worship.

He associated the move with Tel Aviv’s decision to designate two shrines on Palestinian territory as Israeli national heritage sites, saying the decision would impede efforts to revive the Middle East peace process.

"Such a breach, which comes days after the Israeli government’s decision to illegally add the Ibrahimi Mosque and the Mosque of Bilal bin Rabah to the list of Israeli heritage sites, is a dangerous development in the Israeli scheme to stifle Islamic sanctities," Ihsanoglu said in a statement issued on Sunday.

The statement added, "Any damage to the Al-Aqsa Mosque and other holy places will have serious consequences with unpredictable danger to international peace and security."

Clashes erupted on Sunday morning when Israeli troops using stun grenades, tear gas, and rubber bullets broke into the courtyard of the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied Jerusalem Al-Quds, beating Palestinian worshippers with the butts of guns and clubs.

At least 17 Palestinians were wounded and seven others were detained during the fierce confrontations between Palestinian activists using stones, shoes, and bare fists and armed Israeli troops in and around the Al-Aqsa Mosque.

Muslims believe the frequent Israeli attacks on the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound are part of the Judaization campaign that targets the holy city of Jerusalem Al-Quds and are meant to provoke the sentiments of Muslims.

(Press TV)