Terror Regime’s Police Actions Against Christians in Jerusalem Face Widespread Criticism
The Palestinian foreign ministry has strongly criticized the actions of Israeli police during the Holy Saturday celebrations, where officers reportedly assaulted Christian worshippers.
On Saturday, tensions erupted in the Old City of Jerusalem as Israeli police engaged in clashes with Palestinian Christians during the Holy Saturday ceremonies at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
The Palestinian foreign ministry has expressed strong condemnation over what it describes as arbitrary actions, assaults, and restrictions imposed by Israeli soldiers and settlers during the Easter holiday. The ministry claims these actions have hindered Christians from participating in this significant global celebration.
The ministry condemned the release of footage depicting Israeli soldiers allegedly attacking visitors at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, as reported by Anadolu News Agency.
The decision to oppose Israeli actions that sought to block the Vatican’s ambassador from accessing the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and to hinder Palestinian Christians from the occupied West Bank from taking part in festivities in occupied Jerusalem al-Quds has been met with rejection.
Accusations have been made that the actions of Israel towards Christians are being characterized as racist and discriminatory, suggesting a larger strategy aimed at targeting Jerusalem along with its Christian and Islamic holy sites. These actions are described as a clear infringement on the freedom of worship and accessibility to sacred locations, set against claims of ongoing genocide and displacement affecting the population.
Participation in Holy Saturday and Easter ceremonies has markedly decreased for the second consecutive year, as ongoing Israeli military actions in the Gaza Strip and the occupied West Bank continue to impact attendance.
Tensions remain heightened in the occupied West Bank, where Palestinian sources report that a minimum of 952 Palestinians have lost their lives, and over 7,000 have sustained injuries since the onset of the Gaza conflict in October 2023.
In July 2024, the International Court of Justice ruled that Israel’s prolonged occupation of Palestinian territories violates international law, calling for the removal of all settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem al-Quds.
