Jerusalem's Holy Sites Reopen, Faith Flows Freely

0:00Stay informed with Europe news today. AI-powered updates. I'm Corey with the story. Israel just lifted restrictions on Jerusalem's holy sites, letting worshippers pray freely again after pausing its war with Iran. Police announced a change Wednesday, deploying hundreds of officers to keep things safe as sites for Jews, Christians, and Muslims reopened. Thursday. During the conflict, missile alerts force folks into shelters so access was cut off or limited to just dozens at a time that hit hard, muting celebrations for Lent, Passover, and Ramadan at these sacred spots. Worshipers lit up with joy folks at Al-Axay Mosque, called it a rebirth after weeks away, while visitors at the Western Wall bowed their heads in, relief. But there was backlash, too, like when police blocked a Palm Sunday mass last month, drawing fire from the U.S. and others over safety calls. Now it's perfect timing for Orthodox Easter Sunday, with thousands set to pack the church of the Holy Sepulchre

1:00for the Holy Fire ceremony Saturday. Prime Minister Netanyahu apologized for no bad intent in that earlier block, and the car no got in for Easter. Even with the lift, some say the war was just an excuse on top of ongoing limits, like age and number caps for West Bank Palestinians during Ramadan. As fate flows freely once more, the city's pulse beats stronger amid the calm.