Image: The Washington Post

US Pressures Israel to Reopen Jerusalem Holy Sites After Blocking Catholic Cardinal

31 March, 2026.Gaza Genocide.10 sources

Key Takeaways

Israel closed Al-Aqsa Mosque and Church of the Holy Sepulchre in East Jerusalem.
The United States raised concerns and pressed Israel to reopen the sites.
Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa was blocked from entering Holy Sepulchre; access later promised.

Jerusalem Holy Sites Closed

Jerusalem's major holy sites have been closed since the start of the US-Israeli war on Iran.

“BREAKING Kuwait warns of oil spill after Iranian attack causes fire on tanker in DubaiFrance requests Security Council meeting after killing of 3 UN troops in LebanonSaudi Arabia, Qatar and Jordan slam Iranian attacks at summit in Jeddah Click to pause breaking news tickerpause-square-backgroundClose Breaking News Tickerclose”

Al Jazeera

Israeli police prevented Cardinal Pizzaballa from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre on Palm Sunday.

Al Jazeera

The Latin Patriarchate called the decision a manifestly unreasonable and grossly disproportionate measure.

US Raises Concerns

The White House confirmed it had raised concerns with Israel over the restrictions.

Jordan condemned the closures as a crime against religious freedom.

Anadolu Ajansı

The closures were called a flagrant violation of international law.

Netanyahu Climbdown

Netanyahu promised the Latin Patriarch would have full and immediate access.

“Latin Patriarch will have access to Jerusalem holy site after police stopped entry Israel's prime minister has said the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem will now have "full and immediate access" to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, after police earlier prevented him from celebrating Palm Sunday Mass there”