Israeli forces have clashed with Palestinian worshippers near the al-Aqsa Mosque in East al-Quds (Jerusalem), casualties reported.

Witnesses say Israeli forces fired stun grenades near the mosque on Friday to disperse Palestinian worshippers who were protesting against the recent desecration of the Muslims holy book, the Qur'an, by an Israeli soldier.

Palestinians retaliated by hurling rocks and firebombs.

Over a dozen protesters and several Israeli policemen are reported to be injured in the clashes.

According to Palestinian sources, Israeli forces stormed a session of Qur'an recitation in al-Aqsa Mosque on Sunday and an Israeli soldier kicked a copy of the holy book and trampled on it.

The Arab League and the Lebanese resistance movement, Hezbollah, have also condemned the Israeli soldier's desecration of the Qur'an.

In a Monday statement, Hezbollah called on all Muslim nations to take a harsh stance against the insulting move that drew widespread condemnation.