The closure of Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre continues for the fortieth consecutive day, raising concerns among worshippers and visitors. Tensions in Jerusalem are escalating due to these measures.
Jewish worshippers gathered at the Western Wall in Jerusalem for Passover prayers, while the Al-Aqsa Mosque remains closed to Muslims since February 28. Israeli authorities impose restrictions on access to the mosque, raising significant debate over religious freedom.
Israeli restrictions continue to affect Palestinians in Jerusalem, as both the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and Al-Aqsa Mosque were closed during the holidays. These measures have sparked accusations of attempts to alter the city's religious and historical reality.
The Latin Church in Jerusalem announced that Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa and Custodian Francisco Yilbo were detained and prevented from reaching the Holy Sepulchre for Palm Sunday Mass, sparking international outrage.
Sheikh Ikrima Sabri warns of the consequences of the ongoing closure of Al-Aqsa Mosque, emphasizing that Muslims should not be deprived of their right to worship. He calls for pressure on the occupation to reopen the mosque to worshippers.
Limited celebrations for Good Friday took place at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, led by Latin Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa with only 15 priests present due to Israeli restrictions preventing public participation.
Foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia and several Arab and Islamic nations have strongly condemned Israel's ongoing restrictions on the freedom of worship for Muslims and Christians in occupied Jerusalem. They emphasized the need to respect everyone's rights to practice their religious rituals.
The World Muslim League expressed its full support for the statement issued by Arab and Islamic foreign ministers condemning Israeli restrictions on freedom of worship in Jerusalem. The statement calls for an end to Israeli violations against Islamic and Christian holy sites.
The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem has called for the respect of worship freedom in all holy places, emphasizing its importance in fostering peace and understanding among religions. This appeal comes amid rising tensions in the Palestinian territories.
Christian leaders in Jerusalem are urged to take a firm stand against harsh Israeli restrictions imposed on holy sites, following the Catholic Patriarch's denial of entry to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. This comes amid rising security tensions in the Old City.
Israeli authorities closed the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem on February 28, 2026, preventing Latin Patriarch Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa from entering during Palm Sunday celebrations. This action sparked widespread international reactions, highlighting the ongoing impact of occupation on Palestinian Christian presence.
Eight Islamic countries have condemned Israel's restrictions on freedom of worship in Jerusalem, emphasizing the need to respect Muslims' rights to practice their religious rituals. This statement comes amid rising tensions in the holy city.
Eight Arab and Islamic countries have warned against the restrictions imposed by the Israeli occupation on freedom of worship in Jerusalem, while the European Union emphasized the need to maintain the city's multi-religious character.
Foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia and several Arab and Islamic countries have strongly condemned Israel's ongoing restrictions on the freedom of worship for Muslims and Christians in occupied Jerusalem. They emphasized the need to respect everyone's rights to practice their religious rituals freely.
Foreign ministers from eight Arab and Islamic countries have strongly condemned the ongoing Israeli restrictions on the freedom of worship for Muslims and Christians in occupied Jerusalem. This statement comes amid increasing international concern over these violations.
Today, Arab and Islamic countries condemned Israel's ongoing restrictions on freedom of worship in occupied Jerusalem, including preventing worshippers from accessing the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Ministers emphasized that these actions represent a blatant violation of international law.
Foreign ministers from eight Arab and Islamic countries, including Jordan and the UAE, condemned Israel's restrictions on freedom of worship in Jerusalem. This joint statement reflects their concern over the ongoing violations of religious rights.
The United States has expressed concern after Israeli authorities banned the Palm Sunday mass in Jerusalem, sparking widespread reactions in religious and political circles. This decision comes at a sensitive time as Christians around the world celebrate this significant day.
Jordan and several Arab and Islamic countries have firmly rejected the restrictions imposed on freedom of worship in occupied Jerusalem, emphasizing the need to respect the rights of Muslims and Christians in the holy city.
In a surprising turn, Israeli Prime Minister <strong>Benjamin Netanyahu</strong> announced that the Latin Patriarch can hold Easter Mass as desired, after a previous ban. This decision comes at a sensitive time requiring balance between religious rights and political tensions.
Following strong international backlash, Israeli Prime Minister <strong>Benjamin Netanyahu</strong> announced that he requested authorities to allow the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem to access the Church of the Holy Sepulchre for Palm Sunday Mass. Israeli police had previously barred senior church leaders from entering the church, sparking widespread condemnation.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued urgent instructions to grant Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Pierbattista Pizzaballa, immediate and unrestricted access to the Holy Sepulchre. This decision comes amid rising tensions during Palm Sunday celebrations, a significant religious occasion for Christians in Jerusalem.
The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, <strong>Pierbattista Pizzaballa</strong>, regained his right to enter the Holy Sepulchre after being barred by Israeli police on Palm Sunday, sparking widespread international criticism.
Israeli authorities have barred Latin Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa from conducting the Palm Sunday mass at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre for the first time in centuries, inciting political and diplomatic backlash.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has instructed authorities to allow Cardinal Pizzaballa of Jerusalem to enter the Holy Sepulchre after police had previously barred him, sparking outrage.
Israeli Prime Minister <strong>Benjamin Netanyahu</strong> announced that the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, <strong>Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa</strong>, will receive "full and immediate access" to the Holy Sepulchre after being barred by police from celebrating Palm Sunday. This decision follows widespread criticism from Western nations.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun strongly condemned the ban on the Latin Patriarch in Jerusalem from entering the Holy Sepulchre, calling it a violation of religious freedom and international humanitarian law.
The European Union has strongly condemned the ban on Latin Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa from entering the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, deeming it a violation of religious freedom. This statement comes amid rising tensions in the holy city.
Polish President <strong>Karol Nawrocki</strong> expressed his discontent over Israeli police preventing the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, <strong>Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa</strong>, from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. He stated that this action reflects a lack of respect for Christian traditions.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez condemned the Israeli police's ban on Latin Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, calling it an unjust attack on religious freedom. This incident raises concerns about worship rights in sacred places amidst rising tensions in the region.