US raises concern over Israel’s closure of Jerusalem holy sites

Israeli police initially blocked Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre on Palm Sunday, preventing him from celebrating mass. The incident, which the Patriarchate called a grave precedent, occurred in Jerusalem and marked the first time in centuries a Latin Patriarch was turned away on Palm Sunday. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu initially cited safety concerns due to Iranian missile threats targeting Jerusalem's holy sites as the reason for the restriction. However, following criticism and intervention from President Isaac Herzog, Netanyahu reversed the decision, granting the Cardinal full access. A "mutual framework" was agreed upon for Easter celebrations, resolving the matter and allowing prayers to resume in holy places.

On Palm Sunday, Israeli police prevented Catholic leaders, including Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem to celebrate mass. The Latin Patriarchate condemned the action, stating it was the first time in centuries such an event had been blocked. Israeli police cited safety concerns related to the ongoing war in Iran, including limited access for emergency vehicles and inadequate shelter in the Old City. The Catholic Church argued that closed Masses have been held at the church since the war began on February 28th, questioning the rationale for preventing this specific event. Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week for Latin calendar Christians, leading up to Easter.

In Jerusalem and Gaza, Christians observed Holy Week amidst wartime restrictions on March 29, 2026. Israeli police barred the Latin Patriarch from entering the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, marking a historical first. The reason for the denial of access was not specified in the report. Meanwhile, in Gaza, a small Christian community proceeded with Palm Sunday observances despite ongoing attacks and severe shortages of essential supplies. The events highlight the challenges faced by Christians in the region during the conflict.

Due to wartime restrictions amid the conflict with Iran, Israel closed the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and other holy sites in Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, disrupting Christian observances. The Israeli police cited public safety concerns due to missile attacks in the Old City, impacting Jewish and Muslim sites as well. The Catholic Church and the Italian government criticized the restrictions, particularly the barring of Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa from reaching the church. President Herzog expressed sorrow and reaffirmed Israel's commitment to religious freedom, attributing the incident to security concerns. Israeli authorities are in dialogue with religious leaders to find solutions that balance worship and safety, while the State Department has helped Americans evacuate Israel.

Amidst the ongoing war between the US and Israel against Iran, Israeli police prevented Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin patriarch of Jerusalem, from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre on Palm Sunday. The closure, which also affected the Guardian of the Church, marks the first time in centuries that church leaders were unable to celebrate Palm Sunday Mass at the site. Israeli police cited safety concerns as the reason for closing all holy sites in Jerusalem, including Al-Aqsa Mosque during Ramadan. The Catholic Church condemned the action as a grave precedent, disregarding the sensibilities of billions during Holy Week. Police stated that Pizzaballa's request to deliver the Palm Sunday mass could not be approved.