ISRAEL CANCELS PALM SUNDAY PROCESSION IN JERUSALEM AMID IRAN WAR
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By ‘Sefiu Ajape
The annual Palm Sunday procession in Jerusalem was cancelled on Sunday following tighter security measures imposed by Israeli authorities amid the escalating conflict involving Israel, the United States, and Iran.
The move is part of broader wartime restrictions on large public gatherings as tensions continue to rise after recent missile exchanges and increased military activity across the region.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said security operatives also prevented the head of the Catholic Church in Israel from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, noting that the decision was made out of “special concern for his safety.”
In a statement posted on social media, the prime minister’s office said there “was no malicious intent whatsoever.”
It added, “Israel’s security arms are putting together a plan to enable church leaders to worship at the holy site in the coming days.”
Israeli police, quoted in a report by The New York Times, described the measures as “necessary restrictions” on freedom of worship, adding that adherents of different religions would still be able to observe their faith despite the limitations.
The cancellation follows incidents where debris from aerial interceptions and retaliatory strikes fell in various parts of the city in recent weeks.
Fragments from defence systems and incoming missiles reportedly landed in religious and residential areas, including parts of the church compound and locations near the Al-Aqsa Mosque.
Security officials said the restrictions are aimed at minimising risks to civilians and religious leaders while the conflict persists, as authorities try to balance public safety with access to holy sites during one of Christianity’s most important observances.
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