Arab League Secretary General Ahmed Aboul Gheit has condemned the Israeli authorities’ use of violence and other arbitrary measures against Palestinian residents in occupied Jerusalem, especially in the vicinity of Al-Aqsa Mosque, which resulted in many serious injuries, including the injury of the Muslim Imam of the mosque.

The spiritual leader of the Al-Aqsa Mosque, Sheikh Ikrima Sabri, was injured Tuesday by a plastic bullet after praying outside the gates of the site, according to Palestinian medical personnel.

Al-Aqsa Mosque is the third holiest site in Islam after the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.

The imam had just finished leading the night prayer when Israeli police attempted to disperse worshippers by force, leaving many injured, some seriously, Palestinian Red Crescent said.

The Secretary General called on the Israeli occupation authorities to immediately cease all these practices and procedures and to fully respect the sanctity of Al-Aqsa Mosque, reported the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

He also said that these measures are a clear violation of international human rights law.