RAMALLAH, March 30, 2026 (WAFA) – The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) condemned the Israeli authorities' prevention of the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, and the Custos of the Holy Land, Francesco Patton, from accessing the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in occupied Jerusalem to celebrate Palm Sunday Mass.
In a statement, the OIC General described the move as and arbitrary measure that constitutes a flagrant violation of the right to worship and an infringement on the longstanding legal and historical status quo at holy sites.
It further affirmed that such action is part of a broader campaign targeting the authentic Christian presence in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem.
The OIC also warned of the escalating Israeli violations against holy sites, including the continued closure of Al-Aqsa Mosque, and reiterated its call upon the international community to take concrete measures to pressure Israel to cease such actions, guarantee freedom of worship, and preserve the existing legal and historical status quo of Islamic and Christian holy sites.
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