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Holy Week Tensions Rise as Israel Blocks Cardinal from Entering Sacred Jerusalem Site

  Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin patriarch of Jerusalem, holds a prayer service to mark Palm Sunday, following the cancellation of the traditional Palm Sunday procession from the Mount of Olives, amid restrictions on gathering in large groups, in Jerusalem, March 29, 2026. Israeli police prevented Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre on Palm Sunday, prompting widespread criticism from Christian leaders and governments worldwide. Authorities cited security concerns linked to the ongoing U.S.-Israeli war with Iran, noting that all holy sites in Jerusalem’s Old City had been temporarily closed due to the threat of missile strikes. The Latin Patriarchate condemned the move as an unprecedented disruption of centuries‑old tradition, marking the first time church leaders were unable to celebrate Palm Sunday Mass at the historic site. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later stated that the ...

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Azerbaijan's President Claims Russian Forces Unintentionally Shot Down Jetliner


In a recent statement, Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev announced that the Azerbaijani airliner which crashed last week was unintentionally shot down by Russian forces. The tragic incident occurred over Russian airspace, resulting in the death of 38 out of 67 passengers on board.

President Aliyev told state television that the aircraft was hit by ground fire and rendered uncontrollable due to electronic warfare. He emphasized that the crash was not deliberate but criticized Russia for attempting to cover up the incident for several days.

The Kremlin confirmed that Russian air defense systems were active near Grozny, Chechnya, to counter a Ukrainian drone strike at the time of the crash. Russian President Vladimir Putin has since apologized to Aliyev, calling it a "tragic incident" but stopped short of admitting responsibility.

Aliyev has demanded an official apology, admission of guilt, and compensation for the victims and their families. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely as investigations proceed.



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