RAMALLAH, April 11, 2026 (WAFA) – Israeli police on Saturday obstructed the movement of scout groups in occupied Jerusalem and removed Palestinian flags from their uniforms during celebrations marking Holy Fire Saturday at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. 

According to the Jerusalem Governorate, Israeli forces intercepted scout bands marching in different parts of the city and removed the Palestinian flags attached to their shirts.

Earlier in the day, Israeli forces turned the city—particularly the area around Damascus Gate and neighborhoods of the Old City—into a heavily militarized zone, erecting multiple checkpoints and restricting movement as churches marked the annual Holy Fire ceremony at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem had called on Palestinian Christians to participate in the Holy Fire celebrations at the church.

Israeli authorities had previously closed the Church of the Holy Sepulchre for 40 days, preventing prayers there, citing security concerns linked to the Israeli–U.S. war on Iran.

M.N