Easter for Palestinian Christians has been fraught, as Israeli forces have barred many from entering Jerusalem to attend the church of the Holy Sepulchre.

A video circulated online shows officers shouting at those gathered outside the church, and forcing them to move on.

Eyewitnesses claim Israeli officers emptied the church of visitors and worshippers observing Holy Saturday, even those with special permits to do so.

In previous years, Christian Palestinians living in occupied territory were granted week-long permits to enter Jerusalem for holy celebrations – but this has been cracked down on since the October 7th attacks. The Israeli government said it was issuing 6000 permits this year – but only around 4000 were given out this year, mostly to church leaders.

This year’s permits did not allow holders to stay overnight in the city, meaning many were unable to attend services, as they had to travel long distances to return to the West Bank each night.

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is located in the Old City in East Jerusalem, and believed to be the site of Jesus' crucifixion, burial, and resurrection.

Jerusalem sits in the crosshairs of tensions between Israel and Palestine, as both nations consider it to be their true capital.

Al Jazeera report security barriers being placed at the entrance to the Old City, where “many” Palestinians attempting to enter were detained. Similar scenes occurred in 2023, when worshippers, including international pilgrims, were beaten by Israeli police as they tried to reach the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

Omar Haramy, who runs Sabeel, a Christian organisation based in Jerusalem, told The Guardian: “People are very afraid and many will not risk attending the Easter processions any more.

“I will go to the celebrations on Holy Saturday because my family has been part of this tradition for thousands of years, but I’m not going to bring my kids, it’s too dangerous now, with the police violence.”