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As the world celebrated Easter, Christians in Palestine faced blockades, violence and restrictions imposed by Israeli forces amid war and occupation
The celebration of Easter 2025 was marked by sadness, violence and severe restrictions for Palestinian Christians in the Gaza Strip, the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem. Amid the war and occupation, thousands faced obstacles to exercising their faith in sacred places.
Limited celebration amid destruction in the Gaza Strip
In the Gaza Strip, where the Israeli army blocked the entry of aid and food for almost 50 days, the Christian celebration was concentrated in the Greek Orthodox Church of St. Porphyrius in Gaza City.
The atmosphere was one of mourning and fear. Families canceled religious and social gatherings for fear of new airstrikes, like those that have already killed dozens of people in the enclave.
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The church of St. Porfirios itself was bombed in October 2023, shortly after the start of the war, killing at least 18 displaced Palestinians seeking refuge there.
Israel declared the target of the attack to be “terrorists.” Since the start of the war, more than 51.000 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli military action.
Pope's call for ceasefire in Gaza
During a brief appearance at the Vatican, Pope Francis renewed his call for a ceasefire in Gaza before thousands of faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square. He also appealed for the release of prisoners still held by Palestinian armed groups.
The Pope's speech gained prominence amid international silence. His message was seen as a rare gesture of solidarity with the Palestinian Christian community and the civilian population in Gaza.
Faith blocked in the occupied West Bank
In the West Bank, the situation was also marked by severe restrictions. Israeli authorities prevented many Christians from accessing important religious sites.
There have been clashes with Israeli police near the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in East Jerusalem. Reports have even indicated attacks on worshippers and a priest.
According to researcher Fathi Nimer of the Al-Shabaka organization, the Old City of Jerusalem has been transformed into a “military outpost,” with more soldiers and police than worshippers. “There are dozens of checkpoints,” he said, reporting abuse, insults and verbal violence.
It is estimated that only 6.000 Palestinians from the West Bank have been allowed to attend Easter services this year. Not even the Vatican's representative in Palestine has been allowed to enter the church.
Restrictions hit historic Christians
Mitri Raheb, a Palestinian pastor and theologian from Bethlehem, said that not even religious leaders were allowed to participate in the ceremonies. “I myself, as a pastor, am not allowed to go during Holy Week, which is the most important week for Christians throughout the year because Jesus was crucified and resurrected in Jerusalem."He said.
Raheb also noted that the Palestinian Christian community has been present in the region for more than 2.000 years, but today they are no longer able to celebrate freely. He reported an increase in attacks against Christian clergy and religious figures by Israeli settlers in recent months.
For him, the repression is part of a broader attempt to weaken Palestinian culture and identity.”Israel is basically saying that it has an exclusive claim to Jerusalem and all of Palestine.”, He stated.
Al-Aqsa complex also under pressure
In addition to restrictions on Christians, Muslims are also facing rising tensions in Jerusalem. Israeli settlers and politicians, backed by armed soldiers, have been regularly storming the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, Islam's third holiest site.
These actions challenge the status quo agreement that prevents non-Muslims from worshiping on site. Even so, there are reports of Talmudic rituals being performed inside the complex, generating tension and protests.
Pope Tawadros II, the leader of Egypt's Coptic Orthodox Church, also spoke out. During Easter celebrations, he strongly condemned Israel's attack on Gaza and said Palestinians were being subjected to the cruelest forms of injustice in their daily lives.
The religious leader's speech reinforced the feeling that Palestinian Christian communities are being excluded and attacked amid a conflict that continues with no solution in sight.
With information from Al Jazeera.
