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Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
Israel’s discriminatory and oppressive policies against Palestinian Christians during this year’s Easter celebrations in Gaza, the West Bank and occupied East Jerusalem, have been criticised by Ambassador of the State of Palestine to Zimbabwe Dr Tamer Almassri.
In a statement, Ambassador Almassri accused Israeli authorities of transforming the Old City of Jerusalem into a military zone, effectively choking Christian religious expression during one of the holiest periods on the Christian calendar.
“For the second year in a row, Palestinian Christians in Gaza, the West Bank and occupied East Jerusalem were forced to mark Easter under the shadow of war and extreme restrictions,” he said.
“This year, the crackdown was more intense, with checkpoints and barriers blocking access to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre — the very heart of Easter celebrations.”
Ambassador Almassri also said there was a gross violation of diplomatic protocols after the Apostolic Delegate and Vatican Ambassador to Palestine, Archbishop Adolfo Tito Yllana, was denied entry into the city.
“This demonstrates a profound disrespect for both the international community and the sanctity of religious freedom,” he said.
Ambassador Almassri also decried reports of physical assaults on pastors and church leaders, along with documented incidents of Israeli settlers mocking and spitting at Christian worshippers. “These acts reflect the toxic environment of intolerance fostered by the Israeli occupation,” he said.
Ambassador Almassri accused the Israeli government of pursuing a sinister agenda of complete Judaisation of Jerusalem — a move, he said, aims to erase the city’s historic Muslim and Christian identities.
“(Israel Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu and his fascist allies are seeking to impose a single-religion State in violation of international law and the multi-faith heritage of Jerusalem,” he said.
He called on the international community, religious leaders, and people of conscience to break their silence and take decisive action.
The right to worship freely in Jerusalem must be upheld for all — Christians and Muslims alike, added Ambassador Almassri.
His remarks come amid intensifying violence in Gaza, which he described as a genocidal war.
Since March 18, 1 827 Palestinians have been killed and 4 828 injured in Israel’s latest deadly military campaign after the collapse of the ceasefire.
Over 420 000 people have been displaced while the health system has collapsed and over more than two million people are reliant on humanitarian aid — much of which is being blocked.
Since the war began in October 2023, over 51 201 Palestinians have been killed, the majority being women and children.
More than 11 000 are still missing and presumed dead while 116 869 have been injured.
Ambassador Almassri said that magnitude of disaster required the world to act now.
“Israel must be held accountable for its violations of human rights, international law, and religious freedom. The sanctity of Jerusalem and the dignity of the Palestinian people cannot be sacrificed to occupation and extremism,” he said.
Online Reporter