Palestine’s Catholic churches observe Easter amidst extraordinary circumstances gripping the country

JERUSALEM: Catholic and Latin churches in Palestine observed Easter Sunday today amidst unprecedented challenges and extraordinary circumstances gripping the country, particularly in the wake of the ongoing Israeli aggression on Gaza Archbishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, led the Easter Mass at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the Old City of Jerusalem. The service was attended by bishops, priests, monks, nuns, and a limited number of worshipers, mostly from Jerusalem and the 1948 territories. However, thousands of Christian Palestinians from the West Bank were prevented by Israeli occupation authorities from accessing the holy city. Israeli forces imposed strict military measures around Jerusalem and the Old City of Jerusalem, intensifying security checks at checkpoints. Palestinians, both Muslims and Christians, are required to obtain special permits to cross into Jerusalem for worship, with permits often granted based on age or limited quotas. In light of the continuou s Israeli aggression against Gaza since October last year, churches canceled most festive activities. Instead, Easter celebrations were limited to Masses, prayers, and religious rites. Despite travel restrictions and flight cancellations due to the ongoing Israeli aggression, a limited number of Christian pilgrims from various countries managed to reach Jerusalem. However, they faced challenges passing through the Israeli-controlled King Hussein Bridge. In Bethlehem, Easter Mass was held at the Church of St. Catherine, adjacent to the Church of the Nativity. Similar services took place in Catholic churches across Bethlehem, Beit Sahour, and Beit Jala. In Jericho, Easter Mass was conducted at the Latin Parish Church of the Good Shepherd. Meanwhile, in Gaza City, Easter Mass convened at the Latin Church of the Holy Family, despite the challenging circumstances imposed by the ongoing Israeli aggression. Father Youssef Asaad presided over the Mass, with the participation of displaced citizens who sought refug e in the church since the onset of the Israeli aggression Source: Palestine News and Information Agency – WAFA