The Israeli occupation regime is attacking the religious rights of Palestinian Christians.

In the latest the Zionist entity has sought to impose heavy handed restrictions the Holy Fire ceremony at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Al Quds. It wants to deny thousands of Christians access to the place of worship.

Father Mattheos Siopis from the Greek Orthodox says they are not able to coordinate with the Israeli occupation authorities despite their many attempts of goodwill.

Some 10,000 worshippers use to fill the church and surrounding alleys but since last year the Zionist entity has restricted the number of attendants to 1,800 under the claim that it’s a safety precaution. However, this seen as part of an ongoing Israeli campaign to strip Al Quds of its Palestinian, Muslim Christian identity.

In a sign of defiance Father Siopis has called on Christians to attend the Easter celebrations in large numbers.

Last week Israeli occupation forces attacked Muslim worshippers at the holy Al Aqsa Mosque compound. It came in the midst of the sacred month of Ramadaan.