Photo courtesy of WAFA news agency.
Access to the Holy City of Jerusalem was severely restricted for Christians from the West Bank due to Israel's ongoing restrictions on Palestinian freedom of movement, WAFA news agency reported.
Palm Sunday, which commemorates Jesus Christ's entry into Jerusalem, was observed by both Eastern and Western Christian churches with prayers and processions.
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, according to WAFA.
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 local faithful.
Israeli forces imposed strict military measures at checkpoints surrounding the city and the Old City area.
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," WAFA cited Father Faltas as saying.
He emphasized that churches would continue to pray for peace, justice, and freedom for all people in the Holy Land.
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.
Palestinian churches have canceled all festive celebrations in light of the ongoing Israeli genocidal war on the Gaza Strip. 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.
In war-devastated Gaza, Christians gathered for services at the Holy Family Catholic Church and Saint Porphyrius Greek Orthodox Church.
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