OCCUPIED JERUSALEM, (PIC)
Israeli authorities announced on Monday that they would permit limited prayer at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in occupied Jerusalem, while continuing to keep Al-Aqsa Mosque closed.
The decision follows international criticism from Italy, France, Spain, and the European Union after Israeli authorities prevented senior Christian leaders from accessing the church to mark Palm Sunday.
Israeli police said the move came after a security assessment and coordination with church representatives, but did not specify when prayers would resume or how many worshipers would be allowed to enter. The decision comes as Christian communities prepare for Easter celebrations in early April.
In contrast, authorities confirmed that Al-Aqsa Mosque will remain closed, along with the surrounding compound, citing security concerns.
Since late February, both the church and the mosque have largely been closed under the pretext of preventing gatherings amid regional tensions linked to the war involving Iran. Restrictions on public gatherings have also been extended until early April.
Arab and Muslim countries have criticized the continued closure of Al-Aqsa, calling for its reopening, while Palestinians say such measures are part of broader efforts to alter the character of Jerusalem and restrict access to its holy sites.
