Rock-throwing Palestinians clashed with Israeli police at several locations in occupied East Jerusalem Tuesday, as demonstrators protested against Israel's consecration of a synagogue in the area.
Israeli police fired rubber bullets and stun grenades at the demonstrators. Protests also took place in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
Authorities say 60 Palestinians were arrested while more than a dozen people, including law enforcement officers, were injured.
Palestinians were angered by Israel's decision Monday to rededicate the synagogue, which is near a site considered sacred by both Jews and Muslims. Some had called for a "day of rage" Tuesday to protest the move.
Palestinians were also angered by Israel's decision last week to build new homes for Jews in East Jerusalem, an area Palestinians claim as a future capital. Several Palestinian leaders say the conflicts could spark an intifada, or uprising.
Palestinian officials want the housing construction project scrapped before they join U.S.-mediated indirect peace talks with Israel.
U.S. officials say Middle East envoy George Mitchell has postponed his latest peace mission to the region. He had been due to leave Washington Monday.
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton says the U.S. is still awaiting assurances from Israel on its commitment to the regional peace process. However, during an appearance Tuesday with Ireland's foreign minister (Michael Martin), she discounted reports of a major crisis in U.S.-Israeli relations.
On Monday, Prime Minister Netanyahu said his government will keep building in Jerusalem as it has for the past 42 years. Israel captured East Jerusalem in the 1967 Mideast War and declared the territory part of its eternal capital in a move not recognized internationally.