On Palm Sunday, Israeli police prevented Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa and Reverend Francesco Ielpo from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, marking the first time in centuries that the traditional Mass could not be held there, due to heightened security amid conflict between Israel and Iran. The move, justified by Israeli authorities as a safety measure against missile threats, sparked widespread international condemnation for infringing on religious freedoms and access to holy sites. In response to the backlash, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office pledged to facilitate worship for church leaders during the remainder of Easter week, highlighting the ongoing tension between security and religious rights in Jerusalem.
Posts tagged as “the Old City”
On Thursday, May 18th, Israel deployed over 2,000 police officers to Jerusalem's Old City in anticipation of a march by Jewish nationalists waving Israeli flags. The march is an annual event commemorating Israel's capture of the Old City and has been met with criticism from some Palestinians, who view it as a provocation. Authorities have increased security in an effort to ensure the march passes without violence and the Israeli government is determined to ensure the march passes without incident.
This article discusses a tragic stampede in Yemen's capital city of Sanaa during Ramadan, resulting in 78 deaths and 73 injuries. Witnesses reported that Houthi forces fired into the air, which caused an electrical wire to explode and spark panic. Many of the casualties were women and children, and the injured were taken to nearby hospitals. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the tragedy.