US voices concern to Israel over Jerusalem holy site restrictions

The United States has conveyed its concerns to Israel regarding access restrictions imposed on religious sites in Jerusalem during the Christian Holy Week, the White House confirmed Monday. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that Washington had raised the issue directly with Israeli officials, emphasizing the importance of allowing worshippers to access sites of religious significance.

Security measures acknowledged

“We want worshipers to be able to access these holy sites,” Leavitt said, noting that security remains a priority. She added that Israeli authorities are working on security arrangements to reopen the sites throughout Holy Week, a step Washington appreciates. The comments followed Israeli police measures that temporarily restricted entry to key Christian sites, including the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, where access for Palm Sunday services was briefly blocked.

Silence on Al-Aqsa closure

While the White House and State Department have addressed restrictions affecting Christian holy sites, neither has publicly commented on the closure of Al-Aqsa Mosque, which has been sealed for approximately one month. Palestinian officials have described the measure as unprecedented since 1967, linking it to heightened tensions following the onset of the US-Israeli military campaign against Iran on Feb. 28. The mosque’s closure has drawn sharp criticism from Muslim-majority nations, though no official reaction has emerged from Washington.