Live Update 
From the Liveblog of
Thursday, March 29, 2018
From the Liveblog of
Thursday, March 29, 2018
Israel to restrict entry of Gaza Christians for Easter
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleIsraeli authorities say they have decided to block most of Gaza’s small Christian community from traveling to Jerusalem for the upcoming Easter holiday, citing security concerns.
COGAT, the defense body that oversees Palestinian civilian concerns, says it will allow only people 55 and older to enter Israel.
COGAT says Thursday the restrictions are needed to prevent people from fleeing and overstaying their stays in Israel.
Wadie Abunassar, a Catholic Church official, called the restrictions “very sad,” adding he hopes Israel would reconsider.
He says Easter is a family holiday focused on events in Jerusalem. He says it is “not reasonable” to allow a father and mother to enter while “leaving their children back in Gaza.”
— AP
If you’d like to comment, join
The Times of Israel Community.
The Times of Israel Community.
JOIN THE TOI COMMUNITY
Already a member? Log in here