RAMALLAH, April 11, 2026 (WAFA) – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates on Saturday condemned Israeli police attacks on worshippers and scout groups during Holy Fire Saturday celebrations in occupied Jerusalem, including restrictions on access to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

In a statement, the ministry said Israeli forces obstructed worshippers and prevented many from reaching the church, in a violation of the existing legal and historical status quo and an infringement on freedom of worship and the sanctity of Christian holy sites.

The ministry said the measures reflect an extremist policy targeting the Palestinian Christian presence in Jerusalem, and constitute a breach of international law and relevant UN resolutions.

It reaffirmed that occupied Jerusalem is an integral part of the occupied Palestinian territory, with no Israeli sovereignty over it, stressing that such violations will not alter its legal and historical status nor undermine the enduring Palestinian Christian presence in the city.

The ministry called for an immediate halt to all restrictive measures against worshippers and church institutions, and for ensuring unrestricted access to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre to perform religious rituals freely.

M.N