Story perspectives

EU's Kaja Kallas Criticizes Israel's Ban on Patriarch

4/3/2026

Summary

Story summary

On March 30, 2026, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas criticized Israel's decision to bar the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem from attending Palm Sunday at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
She called the move a violation of religious freedom and stressed protecting Jerusalem's multi-religious character.
Kallas urged guaranteed freedom of worship for all faiths in the city, highlighting international concern over Jerusalem's religious rights amid the Iran war.

History

Historical Context

The 1967 Six-Day War led to Israel's control over East Jerusalem, displacing over 200,000 Palestinians and raising significant concerns about religious access for Muslims and Christians. The United Nations has consistently deemed Israeli actions in East Jerusalem illegal, complicating international relations. Kaja Kallas's recent criticism highlights ongoing tensions regarding Jerusalem's multi-religious character and the protection of worship rights, which remain contentious issues in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

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Story summary

On March 30, 2026, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas criticized Israel's decision to bar the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem from attending Palm Sunday at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
She called the move a violation of religious freedom and stressed protecting Jerusalem's multi-religious character.
Kallas urged guaranteed freedom of worship for all faiths in the city, highlighting international concern over Jerusalem's religious rights amid the Iran war.

1 / 2