Jerusalem: Israeli police prevented Catholic leaders from marking Palm Sunday at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, a site of profound significance for Christians worldwide, citing security concerns due to the ongoing conflict with Iran. For the first time in centuries, church officials reported that Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa and the head of the Custos in the Holy Land were blocked from celebrating mass at the site believed to be where Jesus was crucified and resurrected.

According to Deutsche Welle, the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Custody of the Holy Land issued a joint statement expressing their dismay over the incident. The leaders were proceeding privately without any ceremonial procession when they were compelled to turn back. The statement described the police's actions as a grave precedent, disregarding the sensibilities of billions of people globally who look to Jerusalem, especially during this significant week for Christians. The decision was labeled as "manifestly unreasonable and grossly disproportionate."

Israeli police announced that all holy sites in Jerusalem's Old City have been closed to worshippers since the onset of the US-Israel war with Iran. The police highlighted the complexity of the Old City area, stating that it does not allow access for large emergency and rescue vehicles, posing a risk to human life in the event of a mass casualty incident. However, the Latin Patriarchate noted that the Church of the Holy Sepulchre has been hosting private masses since the war began on February 28.

Farid Jubran, spokesperson for the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, emphasized the significance of Palm Sunday, stating that there was no justification for the police's decision. Palm Sunday marks Jesus's triumphant entry into Jerusalem, launching the Holy Week for Christians following the Latin calendar, culminating in Easter.

In response to the backlash, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office denied any malicious intent behind the decision, citing special concern for Cardinal Pizzaballa's safety. The authorities are reportedly working on a plan to enable church leaders to worship at the holy site in the coming days.

International reactions have been strong. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni criticized the police action as an insult to the faithful and a violation of freedom of worship, while Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani announced plans to summon the Israeli ambassador for explanations. The United States, through Ambassador Mike Huckabee, described the incident as "an unfortunate overreach," noting that the proposed prayer was well below the 50-person gathering limit. French President Emmanuel Macron and Jordan's foreign ministry also condemned the move, calling for the guarantee of free exercise of worship in Jerusalem for all religions.