DaysofPal- The Hamas Movement condemned the Israeli occupation for preventing the Palm Sunday Mass at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in occupied Jerusalem, describing the move as a serious and unprecedented escalation not seen in centuries.
In an official statement, Hamas said the decision reflects a practical implementation of policies aimed at Judaizing the city.
The movement called the ban a direct assault on freedom of worship and a threat to Jerusalem’s religious identity, affecting both Islamic and Christian holy sites.
Hamas denounced the unjustified restriction, linking it to broader measures targeting land and religious sites, which it said are part of a systematic effort to alter the city’s religious and historical character.
The movement urged church councils worldwide to condemn the practice and take action to protect freedom of worship and access to holy sites, while calling on the international community to take serious steps to stop violations against Palestinians and their sacred places.
According to church sources, Israeli police barred the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Pierbattista Pizzaballa, and other church officials from entering the church to hold the Palm Sunday Mass, despite their arriving individually and without public ceremonies.
The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem confirmed that the decision prevented the Mass from taking place for the first time in centuries, calling it a clear violation of the longstanding status quo governing holy sites.
The Patriarchate expressed deep concern, noting that the move disregards the feelings of millions of Christians worldwide, particularly during the holiday season, despite churches taking measures to comply with restrictions and organize services responsibly.
The ban comes amid increasing restrictions on Palestinian Christians’ access to holy sites in Jerusalem, raising concerns about its impact on the city’s religious and historical balance.
Similarly, Israeli forces have continued to prevent Muslim worshippers from accessing the Al-Aqsa Mosque since the latest war, denying hundreds of thousands the opportunity to perform Taraweeh and Eid al-Fitr prayers this year.
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