On Saturday, Christian churches in Palestine commemorated 'Holy Saturday' at the 'Church of the Holy Sepulchre' in occupied Jerusalem, despite Israeli restrictions on access to the city. Patriarch Theophilos III led a special prayer at the 'Holy Tomb' attended by several clergy and worshippers who managed to reach the site.
Israeli authorities have maintained the closure of Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre for the fortieth consecutive day, sparking widespread reactions in Arab and international circles. This ongoing closure raises concerns about religious freedoms and human rights in the occupied territories.
Israeli occupation has maintained the closure of Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre for the fortieth consecutive day, raising significant international concern. This action occurs amid escalating tensions in the region.
On Easter Sunday, the Old City of Jerusalem was enveloped in silence due to ongoing conflict and restrictions on access to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Limited numbers of worshippers were allowed through checkpoints, while all shops in the area were closed.
Amid heightened security tensions, Palm Sunday celebrations in East Jerusalem were marked by a notable absence of joy. Movement restrictions prevented worshippers from reaching the tomb of Christ at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
Israeli occupation authorities continue to close the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in occupied Jerusalem during the Easter holiday, citing a declared state of emergency. Under international pressure, fewer than 15 clergy members from each Christian denomination are allowed to perform limited rituals.
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.
Israeli authorities have barred the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, along with three other priests, from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre for Palm Sunday ceremonies, prompting widespread reactions.
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 announced the decision to allow Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Pierbattista Pizzaballa, to enter the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. This move reflects efforts to improve relations with Christian communities in the city amidst ongoing tensions.
U.S. Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, criticized the Israeli authorities for barring Latin Patriarch Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, calling it an 'unfortunate overreach.' This incident highlights rising religious tensions in Jerusalem.
Israeli police barred Latin Patriarch <strong>Pierbattista Pizzaballa</strong> from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre to celebrate Palm Sunday, marking a historic first in centuries. This incident has sparked outrage from global leaders and Catholic churches.
Israeli occupation police barred Latin Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa from holding the Palm Sunday mass at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. This incident coincided with settlers attempting to bring animal sacrifices to Al-Aqsa Mosque, provoking outrage from the Patriarchate and the Jerusalem Governorate.
In an unprecedented move, Israeli police on Sunday barred Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre to celebrate Palm Sunday, sparking widespread international condemnation.
Israeli police have barred Cardinal Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa from conducting the Palm Sunday mass at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, marking a historic first in centuries. This action reflects an escalation in restrictions on religious freedom.
On Sunday, Israeli police barred Cardinal Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa from conducting the Palm Sunday mass at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. This action has sparked outrage among the Christian community.