Christians Denied Access to Easter Services at Church of Holy Sepulchre in Israeli

Israeli forces have restricted access to Palestinian Christians to the Holy Grave Church in Jerusalem over Easter weekend, limiting the number of permits issued for Easter celebrations. Video footage has been posted online It shows Israeli police are clashing with Palestinian Christians who were trying to attend the Holy Grave Church. According to eyewitnesses, Israeli officers emptied a church of visitors and worshipers observing Holy Saturday, including those with special permissions.

“People are I’m very afraidand many people won’t risk attending the Easter procession,” said Omar Haramy, who runs Sabeel, a Jerusalem-based Christian organization. Guardian.

“My family has been part of this tradition for thousands of years, so I’ll go to the celebration of Holy Saturday, but I’m not going to take my kids with me. Police violence and it’s dangerous right now.”

Holy Grave Church It is located In the old town of East Jerusalem, It is believed to be the place of Jesus Crucifixionburial, and revival. According to Al Jazeera Security barriers have been built The entrance to the old town and “many” Palestinians who tried to enter Arrested. This weekend’s incident resembles a 2023 episode when Israeli police defeated worshippers trying to enter the Holy Grave Church, including foreign pilgrims.

As reported by Premier Crisian Newslocal Christian Palestinians living in the occupied territories were previously permitted to enter Jerusalem for the sacred festival. Period of It’s been a week, but after the attack on October 7th, it has since faced restrictions. The Israeli government claimed it was offering 6,000 licenses this year, but only about 4,000 people actually It was issued, most of which was sent to church leaders.

Additionally, this year’s permit holders are restricted from staying overnight in the city. That means many people were unable to attend the service. For travel Long distance to return to the West Bank every night.

Israel and Palestine have been tense for a long time, especially when it comes to Jerusalem. It will be considered To become the true capital of both countries.

View:iSarael police clash with Christian worshipers on Easter | Al Jazeera News Feed

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ng_whznl3o

Photo credit: ©YouTube/Al Jazeera English

Milton Quintanira He is a freelance writer and content creator. He is a contributor writer for Crosswalkheadlines and host of For Soul Podcast, a podcast dedicated to the Bible and Bible truth of The Sound. He has a master of divinity from the Alliance Theological Seminary.

It was originally published on April 21, 2025.