BETHLEHEM, March 27, 2016 (WAFA) – Palestinian Christians and churches following the Georgian calendar Sunday commenced celebrations for Easter in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
Palestinians from Gaza and the West Bank attended prayer services in Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Beit Jala and Beit Sahour despite the ongoing unrest, which has been affecting the Palestinian territories since October 2015.
Several thousand pilgrims descended on the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem‘s Old City, where Christians believe is the site of Jesus Christ‘s crucifixion, burial, and resurrection.
According to official sources, the number of pilgrims decreased due to the instable political situation in the West Bank and Jerusalem.
However, Israel issued 850 permits which expire in 45 days to Palestinian Christians from the Gaza Strip to attend celebrations in Jerusalem and Bethlehem, said Muhammad al-Maqadma of the public relations office in the civil affairs ministry.
During these times, Palestinian Muslims’ access to Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa Mosque is heavily restricted with checkpoints closed for four days due to tightened Israeli security measures during the Jewish holiday of Purim.
M.H
