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JUST IN: Israel Blocks Tens of Thousands of Palestinian Christians from Celebrating Easter in Jerusalem
Israel barred the vast majority of Palestinian Christians from entering Jerusalem for Palm Sunday, allowing only 6,000 out of 50,000 West Bank Christians to attend—less than 12%. Checkpoints surrounded the Old City, and military permits were required, often denied without explanation.
➤ Only Jerusalem residents and Palestinian citizens of Israel were allowed access.
➤ Permit approval involved invasive checks, digital IDs, and an Israeli app.
➤ Churches canceled Easter celebrations, limiting observance to prayer due to the war on Gaza.
➤ Christians in Gaza, despite dire conditions, prayed at the Holy Family and Saint Porphyrius churches.
➤ Services were also held in Bethlehem, Ramallah, Jenin, and other cities—cut off from Jerusalem.
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Christian Committee: Easter Now “A Season of Suffering”
The Higher Presidential Committee of Church Affairs in Palestine issued a statement condemning Israel’s actions, saying Easter has become a time of “grief and suffering.”
➤ Gaza’s Christians Near Extinction: Only 624 remain. Churches now serve as shelters and mourning spaces. Israel has revoked all travel permits for Gaza’s Christians.
➤ Worship Restrictions: West Bank Christians face severe permit barriers, while foreign tourists move freely.
➤ Militarization of Holy Week: Barricades, violence, and access limits surround Jerusalem’s Old City. Only 1,800 were allowed into the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in 2023—down from 10,000.
➤ Erasing Christian Presence: Israel is accused of trying to erase Jerusalem’s Palestinian identity through settlements, checkpoints, and demographic policies.
➤ Attacks on Christians: 41 incidents targeting Christian civilians and institutions were reported in early 2025. 48% of Christian youth have considered emigrating.
➤ Economic Collapse: Religious tourism has dropped by over 99% since October 7, with losses of $2.5 million daily. In East Jerusalem, 80% of businesses have shut down.
➤ Violation of International Law: The committee says Israel’s restrictions violate human rights and amount to collective punishment.
Palestinian Christians are marking Easter not with celebration, but with mourning—amid genocide, occupation, and deepening apartheid.
Mike