Jerusalem: Israeli occupation authorities today prevented Palestinian Christian worshippers from the West Bank from entering occupied Jerusalem to take part in Palm Sunday service, marking the beginning of Holy Week leading up to Easter.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency – WAFA, Palm Sunday, which commemorates the entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem, was observed by both Eastern and Western Christian churches with prayers and processions. However, access to the Holy City was severely restricted for Christians from the West Bank due to Israel’s ongoing restrictions on Palestinian freedom of movement.
Only a limited number of worshippers, mostly residents of Jerusalem and Palestinian citizens of Israel, were able to attend the services at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the Old City. The liturgies were led by Patriarch Theophilos III of the Greek Orthodox Church, Latin Patriarch Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, and other church leaders, in the presence of clergy, monks, nuns, and a small group of local faithful.
Israeli forces imposed strict military measures at checkpoints surrounding the city and the Old City area. Under current regulations, Palestinians-both Muslim and Christian-must obtain special permits to access religious sites in Jerusalem, including the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
The permit process involves a security clearance and often requires applicants to download a mobile application operated by Israeli authorities. According to Father Ibrahim Faltas, Vicar of the Custody of the Holy Land, only 6,000 permits were issued this year to West Bank Christians, out of an estimated Christian population of 50,000 in the area.
“This is the second consecutive year that only a small number of pilgrims are able to participate in Holy Week and Easter celebrations in Jerusalem, due to the ongoing conflict,” Father Faltas said, adding that churches would continue to pray for peace, justice, and freedom for all people in the Holy Land.
The Catholic Palm Sunday procession took place this afternoon, starting from the Church of Bethphage and ending at the Church of Saint Anne inside the Old City, followed by a special prayer led by Cardinal Pizzaballa.
In light of the ongoing Israeli genocidal war on the Gaza Strip, which began on October 7, 2023, churches have canceled all festive celebrations. This year’s observances are limited to religious services and prayers.
Palm Sunday services were also held in churches across Bethlehem, Jericho, Ramallah, Nablus, and Jenin. Despite difficult conditions in Gaza, Christians there gathered for services at the Holy Family Catholic Church and Saint Porphyrius Greek Orthodox Church.
Notably, this year Easter Sunday-or the Feast of the Resurrection-falls on the same date for both Eastern and Western Christian denominations.