The Israel Police said they headed off a violent attacks by Palestinians against Christian tourist visiting the Temple Mount, known by Muslims as Noble Sanctuary, in Jerusalem's old city on Sunday.

Characterizing the incident as a "minor disturbance," police spokesman Mickey Rosenfeld told Xinhua that 40 police officers on the scene and backups managed to force about 50 Palestinians away from the tourists.

"Police dispersed the stone-throwers, pushing them away from the group," Rosenfeld said, adding that many of the Palestinians took refuge in the Al-Aksa Mosque.

One police officer required medical treatment, and forces arrested three suspects, he said, adding that the site, sacred to Jews, Muslims, and Christians, remained open.