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While 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, in the occupied West Bank, and in East Jerusalem. Amid the war and occupation, thousands faced obstacles to practice 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 nearly 50 days, the Christian celebration focused on 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, such as those that have already killed dozens of people in the enclave.
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The church of St. Porphyrius itself was bombed in October 2023, shortly after the war began. At that time, at least 18 displaced Palestinians seeking refuge at the site were killed.
Israel declared that the target of the attack was “terrorists.” Since the beginning of the war, more than 51,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli military actions.
Pope’s Appeal 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 made an appeal for the release of prisoners still held by Palestinian armed groups.
The Pope’s remarks gained prominence amid the 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 strong restrictions. Israeli authorities prevented many Christians from accessing important religious sites.
There were confrontations with Israeli police near the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in East Jerusalem. Reports even indicate assaults against worshippers and a priest.
According to researcher Fathi Nimer from the Al-Shabaka organization, the Old City of Jerusalem has been transformed into a “military outpost,” with more soldiers and police presence than worshippers. “There are dozens of checkpoints,” he said, reporting abuses, insults, and verbal violence.
It is estimated that only 6,000 Palestinians from the West Bank received permission to attend Easter services this year. Not even the Vatican representative in Palestine was granted permission to enter the church.
Restrictions Impact Historic Christians
Mitri Raheb, a Palestinian pastor and theologian from Bethlehem, stated that even religious leaders could not participate in the ceremonies. “I, as a pastor, do not have permission to go during Holy Week, which is the most important week for Christians throughout the year because Jesus was crucified and rose in Jerusalem,” he declared.
Raheb also highlighted that the Palestinian Christian community has been present in the region for over 2,000 years, but today it can no longer celebrate freely. He reported an increase in attacks against clergy and Christian 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 it has an exclusive claim to Jerusalem and all of Palestine,” he stated.
Al-Aqsa Complex Also Under Pressure
In addition to the restrictions on Christians, Muslims also face growing tensions in Jerusalem. Settlers and Israeli politicians, with the support of armed soldiers, frequently invade the Al-Aqsa Mosque complex, the third holiest site in Islam.
These actions challenge the status quo agreement that prevents non-Muslims from conducting rituals at the site. Nonetheless, there are reports of Talmudic rituals being promoted within the complex, causing tension and protests.
Pope Tawadros II, leader of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Egypt, also spoke out. During Easter celebrations, he vehemently condemned Israel’s attack on Gaza and said that Palestinians are subjected to the cruelest forms of injustice in their daily lives.
The religious leader’s remarks reinforced the feeling that Palestinian Christian communities are being excluded and attacked amid a conflict that shows no signs of resolution.
With information from Al Jazeera.
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