Gaza Christians mark Palm Sunday with prayers for peace amid genocide

Worshippers have gathered for Palm Sunday Mass at the Holy Family Church, the only Catholic church in Gaza, where they have prayed for peace.

Dozens of children, adults, monks and nuns have attended the service marking the beginning of Holy Week in the genocide-devastated enclave.

At the front, altar servers stood in red and white robes, while behind them, worshippers with subdued expressions took part in the prayers.

A priest said that at this time of year, Christians remember the entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem, when prophecies were fulfilled that God would come to save humanity, describing him as the Prince of Peace.

He added that this year, these scenes are absent from the city, with many Christians unable to take part due to difficult conditions.

He said prayers were being offered for the people of Jerusalem, for all Palestinians and for the entire region, asking God to grant peace, justice and reconciliation.

He also called for a special grace so that the people of Gaza, Christians and Muslims, can live with dignity as children of this land, in peace, justice and with the values every human being needs.

Jerusalem restrictions

Separately, Israeli police have prevented the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre to celebrate Palm Sunday Mass.

In a statement, the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem said Pizzaballa, along with the Custos of the Holy Land, Father Francesco Ielpo, was stopped while heading privately to the church and "was compelled to turn back."

The Patriarchate said the incident marked the first time in centuries that church leaders have been prevented from celebrating Palm Sunday at the Holy Sepulchre.

It described the move as a "grave precedent" that "disregards the sensitivities of billions" of Christians worldwide.

The statement said church leaders had complied with restrictions imposed since the start of the war, including cancelling public gatherings and broadcasting services.

It added that preventing the entry of senior church figures "constitutes a manifestly unreasonable and grossly disproportionate measure," warning that it departs from principles of freedom of worship.