Christians Denied Access to Easter Services at Church of Holy Sepulchre in Israeli
Israeli forces have restricted Palestinian Christians' access to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem over Easter weekend, limiting the number of permits issued for Easter celebrations. Video footage posted online shows Israeli police clashing with Palestinian Christians who attempted to attend the church of the Holy Sepulchre. According to eyewitnesses, Israeli officers emptied the church of visitors and worshippers observing Holy Saturday, including those with special permits to attend.
"People are very afraid, and many will not risk attending the Easter processions anymore," Omar Haramy, who runs Sabeel, a Christian organization based in Jerusalem, told The Guardian.
"I will go to the celebrations on Holy Saturday because my family has been part of this tradition for thousands of years, but I'm not going to bring my kids; it's too dangerous now, with the police violence."
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, which is located in the Old City in East Jerusalem, is believed to be the site of Jesus' crucifixion, burial, and resurrection. Per Al Jazeera, security barriers were erected at the Old City's entrance, and "many" Palestinians who tried to enter were arrested. This weekend's incidents are similar to 2023, when Israeli police beat worshippers attempting to enter the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, including foreign pilgrims.
As reported by Premier Christian News, local Christian Palestinians residing in the occupied area were previously allowed to enter Jerusalem for holy festivals for a period of one week, but have since faced restrictions after the October 7th attacks. Although the Israeli government claimed to be giving 6000 licenses this year, only about 4,000 were actually issued, the majority of which went to church leaders.
Additionally, this year's permits restricted holders from staying overnight in the city, meaning many were unable to attend services due to traveling long distances to return to the West Bank each night.
Israel and Palestine had long been in tension with one another, particularly when it comes to Jerusalem, which is considered to be the true capital of both nations.
WATCH: Israeli Police Clash with Christian Worshippers on Easter | Al Jazeera Newsfeed
Photo Credit: ©YouTube/Al Jazeera English
Originally published April 21, 2025.
