Outrage grows over Israeli restrictions to Jerusalem sites during Holy Week

"Israeli authorities blocked, then unblocked, the head of the Catholic Church in Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, from celebrating the start of Easter Week at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, drawing swift outrage and concern from various quarters."

"Netanyahu stated that Israel had asked members of all faiths, including Pizzaballa, to temporarily abstain from worshiping at the Old City holy sites out of special concern for his safety, but critics argued the reversal came too late."

"The Israeli police reported a 'productive meeting' with the cardinal, which helped establish a 'mutual framework' for upcoming Easter ceremonies, indicating a potential path forward despite the recent tensions."

The spring holiday season in Jerusalem is usually busy with worshipers visiting sacred sites. However, Israeli authorities imposed restrictions citing safety concerns related to the war against Iran, impacting Muslims, Jews, and Christians. Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa was initially blocked from celebrating Easter Week at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, leading to international outrage. Although the decision was later reversed, critics noted that the restrictions affected the holiday experience and that other significant sites remained closed to worshipers. A meeting with the cardinal aimed to establish a framework for future Easter ceremonies.

Read at The Washington Post