Churches condemn Israel's restrictions on religious events in Jerusalem.

The Greek Orthodox Church has criticised Israel's "heavy-handed restrictions" on freedom of worship as it prepares to celebrate Easter in occupied East Jerusalem. Israeli police said the limits are needed for safety during Saturday's "Holy Fire" celebration at the ancient Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the 12th-century holy site where Jesus is believed by Christians to have been crucified, buried and resurrected. Many Christian leaders believe this is part of an ongoing Israeli policy to push them out of their homeland.