Israeli Forces Attack Christian Worshippers During Holy Saturday In Jerusalem
Key Takeaways
- Israeli police assaulted worshippers at Church of the Holy Sepulchre during Holy Fire, detaining several.
- Heavy security deployment across Jerusalem's Old City, including Bab al-Amoud, with checkpoints.
- Holy Fire ceremony drew thousands to Church of the Holy Sepulchre amid Holy Saturday observances.
Israeli Forces Attack Worshippers
Israeli police assaulted Christian worshippers in occupied Jerusalem during Holy Saturday celebrations.
“Israeli occupation forces turned occupied Jerusalem, particularly the Bab al‑Amoud (Damascus Gate) area and the neighborhoods of the Old City, into a military zone on Saturday as Christian churches that follow the Eastern calendar marked Holy Saturday, also known as the Holy Fire, at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher”
The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the assault as a direct attack on freedom of worship.
Ramzi Khoury condemned the attacks, saying Israeli forces deliberately intimidated crowds.
The Jordanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated Israel has no sovereignty over Jerusalem.
Israeli forces had shut down the Church of the Holy Sepulchre for 40 days before reopening it.
Military Restrictions and Checkpoints
Israeli authorities transformed the Old City into a heavily militarized area.
Forces set up checkpoints, inspected IDs, and blocked many Christian Palestinians from entering.
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre had been closed for 40 days due to the war on Iran.
The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate called on Palestinian Christians to participate in the Holy Fire celebrations.
International Condemnation
The Jordanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the Israeli police attacks on Christian worshippers.
“Israeli police forces have attacked Christian worshipers in occupied al-Quds during Holy Saturday, one of the most important Christian holidays marking the final day before Easter”
Ambassador Fouad Al-Majali stated the Kingdom's absolute rejection of all illegal and restrictive measures.
The statement reaffirmed support for the Palestinian people's legitimate right to an independent state.
The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned these actions reflect a systematic policy targeting the Palestinian Christian presence.
Ramzi Khoury stressed that thousands of Palestinians could not reach occupied Jerusalem due to military checkpoints.
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