Hyderabad, June 21 -- Israeli authorities blocked thousands of Palestinian worshippers from reaching Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem for Friday prayers on June 20, amid amid a siege imposed by the occupation forces inthe West Bankfor the eighth consecutive day.

From the early hours of the morning, Israeli police forces were deployed at the gates of the Old City and the outer gates of Al-Aqsa Mosque, barring worshippers from entering.

Eyewitnesses told Anadolu Agency that only about 450 individuals were allowed inside, leaving most of the mosque's prayer halls and courtyards nearly deserted.

Tens of thousands of Palestinians usually attend Friday prayers at Al-Aqsa despite strict daily restrictions. However, since Friday, June...