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Israel Police on Church of the Holy Sepulcher Closing: ‘Life Saving Restrictions Apply to All Holy Sites for Jews, Christians and Muslims Alike’
Israel Police cite Home Front Command directives for restricting access to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, impacting all holy sites amid missile threats.
Jerusalem, 29 March, 2026 (TPS-IL) — The Israel Police released a statement explaining why on Sunday morning, in the Old City of Jerusalem, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, His Beatitude Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa and the Custos of the Holy Land, the Most Reverend Fr. Francesco Ielpo, were prevented from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulcher for prayers amid the ongoing security situation.
The Police said they are in an active dialogue with religious leaders, including an upcoming meeting with the Patriarch, to examine solutions that balance freedom of worship with public safety.
“Under Home Front Command directives, life-saving restrictions apply to all holy sites in the Old City—for Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike,” said the police.
“The Old City has been targeted by murderous missiles multiple times this month, alongside constant fire on residential areas,” it added. “These threats do not discriminate between religions, and neither does our duty to protect you.”
The Church is the holiest site in Israel for Christians and preparations are currently being made for next week’s Easter holiday. However, all such holy places of any religion are required to follow the current security restrictions in place as Iran continues to launch missiles at Israeli cities. In one strike, missile fragments crashed meters from the Church of the Holy Sepulcher.
