Spain's Prime Minister condemns Israel's ban on Latin Patriarch entry

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez strongly criticized Israel's decision to prevent the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem from leading Palm Sunday Mass at the Church of the Sepulchre, viewing it as a direct assault on the fundamental right to religious freedom.

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In a post on X, Sanchez expressed his outrage, stating that Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu had barred Catholics from observing Palm Sunday at Jerusalem's sacred sites without providing any rationale or justification for this move.

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Sanchez's condemnation emphasized the unjustified nature of this attack on religious freedom, while also urging Israel to uphold its commitment to respecting the diverse faiths present in the region and adhering to international law, as he believes that tolerance is essential for peaceful coexistence.

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According to the prime minister's office, Israeli police blocked the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, from entering the church, citing concerns for his safety as the reason behind this action.

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European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, have already publicly denounced Israel's actions in this matter, adding their voices to the growing criticism.

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Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has defended the decision, claiming that there was no malicious intent involved, only a genuine concern for the safety of the Patriarch.