Gaza, ALRAY - The Islamic-Christian Committee in Support of Jerusalem and its Sanctuaries has condemned the decision of Israeli occupation authorities to revoke hundreds of permits previously issued to Christian citizens from the Gaza Strip. The permits were issued to enable the citizens to travel to Jerusalem and practice their religious rituals during the Easter period.

The committee released a statement on Wednesday, stating that this measure is a severe violation of the freedom of worship and reveals the falsity of Israeli claims regarding allowing freedom of worship and access to religious sites for Palestinian citizens.

The committee pointed out that the Israeli authorities' actions violate Article 53 of the First Geneva Protocol of 1977, which prohibits the occupying power from hostile actions directed against places of worship and denying religious people access to them. The committee urged the international community to hold Israel accountable for its actions and to take steps to ensure that Palestinian citizens have the right to worship and access their holy places without any interference.

This decision by the Israeli authorities has further strained the already tense situation in the region. It has also sparked concern among the international community, with many calling for a peaceful resolution to the conflict and an end to the restrictions on the freedom of movement and worship of Palestinians in the region.