The Greek Orthodox Church says Israeli police are infringing on the freedom of worshippers with 'heavy-handed” restrictions on how many pilgrims can attend the “Holy Fire” ceremony at the ancient Church of the Holy Sepulchre in occupied East Jerusalem
Leaders of the Greek Orthodox Church say Israel is unfairly limiting worshippers' rights by limiting attendance to celebrate the Easter"Holy Fire" ceremony in the ancient Church of the Holy Sepulchre in occupied East Jerusalem.
Israeli police said on Wednesday that the limits are needed for safety during Saturday's celebration at the ancient Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the 12th-century holy site where Jesus is believed to have been crucified, buried and resurrected. Israel imposed similar restrictions on the “Holy Fire” event last year and says it wants to prevent another disaster after a crowd stampede at a packed Jewish holy site left 45 people dead. Saturday’s “Holy Fire” celebration comes during violent Israeli military raids on the holy site of the Al Aqsa Mosque compound in the Old City of occupied East Jerusalem. The raids spiraled into a regional confrontation between Israel and Gaza.
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