Archbishop denounces Israeli restrictions on freedom of religion in Jerusalem

The Greek Orthodox Archbishop of Sebastia, Atallah Hanna, has denounced Israeli actions in occupied Jerusalem imposed due to Jewish holidays.

In a press statement released on Thursday, Archbishop Hanna said, “During these days in which we live a week of pain in preparation for Easter, we have witnessed the Israeli authorities restricting the movement of the population; closing Jerusalem’s doors; and preventing movement, particularly to and from Jaffa Gate [Bab al-Khaleel] where patriarchates and churches are located.”

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The archbishop added, “Visitors to the Holy City during this sacred season, alongside the local population, including Christians celebrating their feasts, suffer by these actions which prevent many people from having access to the Church of the Resurrection and restrict the movement of believers – including clerics of all levels and ranks.”

Source: Occupied Jerusalem – Quds Press Service