Netanyahu allows Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem to enter Holy Sepulchre

ALBAWABA - After banning Christians from holding Palm Sunday mass in Jerusalem, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu restored access for the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem to enter the Holy Sepulchre.

Earlier on Sunday, Israel blocked the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, from entering Christianity's holiest site, the Holy Sepulchre, on Palm Sunday, triggering international condemnation.

French President Emmanuel Macron decried banning the Palm Sunday ceremony, which Israel said it was due to security concerns, and expressed his full support for the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem.

He wrote in French, Hebrew and Arabic, "I express my full support for the Latin Patriarch in Jerusalem and for the Christians in the Holy Land, who were prevented from holding the Palm Sunday Mass at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. I condemn this decision issued by the Israeli police, which comes in the context of the alarming increase in violations targeting the status quo of the holy places in Jerusalem."

Macron added, "Freedom to hold religious rites in Jerusalem must be ensured for all religions."

After massive backlash, Israeli Prime Minister said on Monday the Latin Patriarch would get "full and immediate access".