Holy Week in Jerusalem Marked by War, Site Closures, and Rare Silence

Jerusalem's Holy Week unfolded in unprecedented silence as the Austrian Pilgrim Hospice accepted a day-of reservation but warned they would be the only guest.

“Occupied East Jerusalem – It’s Holy Week for many Christian denominations, marking the week during which Christians believe Jesus was arrested, crucified and resurrected here”

Al Jazeera

The Old City was eerily empty amid wartime, with Israel closing holy sites citing security issues after the US-Israel war on Iran began.

Al Jazeera

Limited access was permitted for some clergy, but Al-Aqsa Mosque remained completely closed.

Clergy held limited services amid wartime restrictions that prevented tens of thousands from participating.

Up to 50 people were permitted at the Western Wall ceremony, a wartime departure from the usual crowds.

Dunya News

Netanyahu reversed a ban on the Latin Patriarch entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre after international outcry.

The Latin Patriarch described advancing amid empty streets and tightly controlled access.

“In Jerusalem, Easter celebration disrupted by the war Jerusalem (AFP) – In the narrow streets of the Old City of Jerusalem, silence reigns on this Easter Sunday, a major Christian holiday, overshadowed this year by the war and strict access restrictions to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre”

France 24

Israeli authorities justified restrictions based on security concerns and lack of bomb shelters.

Shrapnel from intercepted Iranian missiles had landed nearby the previous weeks.

The prolonged closure has devastated businesses dependent on tourism and pilgrimage.

Palestinian shop owners have been ordered closed, compounding hardships.

iObserve.org

One shop owner said before the war business was enough to feed yourself; now there is no business at all.