Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC) chair Malaysia has condemned Israel's "illegal" public works at the flashpoint Al-Aqsa mosque, calling them a "blatant ... provocation."

Fifteen Israeli policemen and at least 20 Palestinians were wounded in protests against Israeli repair work that Arab leaders say endangers the mosque.

"Malaysia condemns Israel for the excavation works around and beneath the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque and for willfully destroying religious, cultural and heritage sites in Al-Quds," Foreign Minister Syed Hamid said in a statement.

"As chairman of the OIC we call upon the international community to intervene immediately in order to stop these illegal activities," he said.

Scuffles erupted after Palestinian Muslim leaders called for "day of anger" to protest against the work to repair an access ramp.

Stop immediately

Syed Hamid said that it was a "direct aggression upon the Holy Al-Aqsa Mosque," which is also venerated by Jewish worshippers as the Temple Mount.

He said Israel's actions would "ignite the feelings of Muslims all over the world" and was a step back in efforts to achieve peace in the region.

"Malaysia demands an immediate stoppage to the excavation works carried out by Israel that have had direct impact on the Al-Aqsa Mosque," he said.

Some 2,500 policemen were on duty around the Old City and Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem to prevent trouble after three days of Arab and Muslim fury about the work.

Israel restricted access to prayers at the Al-Aqsa compound to all but Muslim women, and Muslim men aged over 45 with Israeli ID cards, in order to minimize the threat of violence.