Israel Backtracks on Ban of Entry to Holy Sepulchre After Outcry

Israel has reversed its decision to ban the entry of Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, to the Holy Sepulchre, following strong international reactions. Prime Minister Netanyahu instructed authorities to allow the cardinal to enter to conduct the Palm Sunday service, which had initially been prohibited. The ban had sparked outrage, as it constituted an unprecedented act in modern history. The decision for the restrictions had been made in the context of heightened security measures due to the war with Iran, but was ultimately revised under the weight of international pressure. Netanyahu stated that Iran has targeted holy sites with missiles.