Easter in Jerusalem Marred as Israel Blocks 44,000 Christians from Holy Sites
Key Takeaways
- Access to Jerusalem for Palm Sunday blocked; Old City largely deserted.
- Festivities limited to prayers; observances curtailed during Easter.
- Gaza war context shapes restrictions; authorities pledged freedom of worship.
Israel Blocks Christian Access
Israel blocked more than 44,000 Christians from the West Bank from accessing holy sites with less than 24 hours' notice.
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Only 6,000 permits were issued while the population exceeds 50,000.
Restrictions came despite a prior agreement between Israeli police and Cardinal Pizzaballa.
Al Jazeera described only a handful of worshippers in Jerusalem's Old City.
Traditional processions were cancelled and Mass attendance capped at under 50 people.
Holy Sites Shut for Second Year
For the second consecutive year, Easter was marked with limited rites due to the ongoing Israeli war in Gaza.
Churches in multiple cities limited celebrations to Masses and prayers.
The Israeli army prevented most worshippers from reaching Jerusalem.
The war has killed more than 50,900 people in Gaza since October 2023.
Closures of holy sites highlight the humanitarian costs of Israel's war.
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