Israeli police restricted access for Christian worshippers attempting to reach the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem’s Old City during a major religious observance, according to multiple reports.
The church, one of Christianity’s holiest sites, drew large crowds as worshippers gathered for seasonal ceremonies. Police set up checkpoints and limited entry into the Old City, preventing some attendees from reaching the site.
Witnesses described crowd control measures and restricted movement in surrounding areas, with some worshippers turned away despite attempting to attend services. Similar restrictions have been reported in previous years during major Christian holidays in Jerusalem.
Israeli authorities said such measures are implemented to maintain public order and security during large gatherings in the Old City, a site of religious significance for multiple faiths.
However, church leaders and observers have raised concerns that access limitations affect freedom of worship, particularly during key religious events. The incident reflects ongoing tensions in Jerusalem, where access to holy sites remains a sensitive and frequently contested issue.
