For the first time in centuries, Palm Sunday mass was not held at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in occupied East Jerusalem. Israeli police blocked a senior Catholic leader from entering the church, citing security concerns, sparking global outrage and raising questions about religious freedom. The move has been condemned by international leaders, including Italy’s prime minister, who called the decision offensive to believers worldwide. Church officials say preventing worship on one of Christianity’s holiest days is unprecedented. Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week leading to Easter, a time when thousands of pilgrims gather in Jerusalem. But this year, empty streets and restricted access reflect the wider impact of the escalating regional conflict and security fears. As tensions continue across the Middle East, many worshippers are holding onto hope for peace and the return of normal religious life in Jerusalem. Subscribe to our channel: http://bit.ly/AJSubscribe Follow us on X : https://twitter.com/AJEnglish Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aljazeera Check our website: http://www.aljazeera.com/ Check out our Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/aljazeeraenglish/ Download AJE Mobile App: https://aje.news/AJEMobile #jerusalem #palmsunday #breakingnews #religion #middleeast #israel #christianity #holyweek #news #conflict