As violence in Gaza persists, Israeli restrictions prevented many Christians from accessing holy sites for Easter, marking a somber occasion for Palestinian Christians. Celebrated under dire conditions, families in Gaza observed minimal festivities due to fears of bombings. Pope Francis addressed the situation during Easter Mass, calling for a ceasefire and urging Hamas to release captives. Tensions escalated as clashes erupted between Israeli police and worshippers trying to reach the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. The area was reported to resemble a military outpost rather than a sacred space for worship.
During a brief appearance before thousands of Catholic pilgrims gathered in St Peter's Square for the Vatican's open-air Easter Mass, Pope Francis renewed his call for a ceasefire in Gaza. He also urged Hamas to release the captives.
Easter celebrations were limited to religious rituals as families cancelled other gatherings fearing more bombs would be dropped by Israeli warplanes, which killed dozens on Sunday.
Israeli authorities prevented many Christians, including Palestinians, from accessing holy sites for Easter in the occupied West Bank. Clashes broke out as they attempted to reach the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
The Old City of Jerusalem was effectively turned into a military outpost, with more soldiers and police officers present than worshippers during Easter.
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