JERUSALEM

The Israeli police on Friday banned Palestinians from outside Jerusalem's old city to enter Al-Aqsa Mosque, for the 4th consecutive week, to perform the Friday prayer.

The Israeli police justified the move as part of the complete lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Eyewitnesses told Anadolu Agency that only residents of Jerusalem's old city were allowed to enter the mosque.

The Israeli restrictive measures prevent people from moving more than one kilometer (0.6 mile) from their homes.

During the coronavirus pandemic period, more than 10,000 worshippers perform the Friday prayers in Al-Aqsa Mosque, while before the pandemic the number was more than 50,000.

On Friday, Israel counted 1,608 coronavirus infections.

*Ahmed Asmar contributed to this report from Ankara