The Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem condemned attacks on pilgrims during the Holy Fire ceremony on April 19, 2025, accusing Israeli police of turning the city into a “militarized zone” and blocking access to holy sites. The Patriarchate called for peace and justice in the Holy Land.
Tag: Gaza conflict
Israeli authorities restricted Christian access to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem on Holy Saturday, disrupting the Holy Fire ritual during Easter weekend
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan claims that only Turkey can save the European Union from its current impasse, criticizing the rise of far-right forces and the crisis of liberal democracy in Europe. Erdogan also condemned the West’s response to the Gaza conflict and emphasized Turkey’s commitment to protecting its diaspora in Europe.
Greek-Australian Archbishop Makarios, alongside other Christian leaders, has condemned the rise of anti-Semitism in Australia, emphasizing the importance of religious freedom and condemning the violence against Jews following the Hamas terror attacks in Gaza. In his call for peace, he highlights the illogical and harmful conflation of individuals with the actions of national governments, urging unity and the protection of all Australians’ rights and freedoms.
A historic ceasefire agreement signed today outlines the release of 33 Israeli hostages in exchange for over 700 Palestinian prisoners. The deal includes a six-week ceasefire, IDF withdrawal from central Gaza, and the daily entry of 600 aid trucks. Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S. will guarantee the agreement, with the first prisoner releases occurring just hours after Donald Trump’s inauguration.
Russia has reportedly provided satellite data to Yemen’s Houthi rebels, helping them target Western ships in the Red Sea with ballistic missiles and drones, according to a Wall Street Journal report. The data, allegedly transmitted via Iranian intermediaries, has escalated Houthi attacks in solidarity with Palestinians amid the Gaza conflict. The U.S., responding to shipping disruptions, has formed a naval coalition and recently deployed B-2 stealth bombers to strike Houthi targets in Yemen.
The European Union’s mission in the Red Sea, known as Aspides, reported no oil spill from the attacked MV SOUNION tanker off Yemen’s coast, despite contrasting claims from the Pentagon. Tension amplifies as Houthi militants assert responsibility for the attack, aligning with Palestinians in the Israel-Hamas conflict.
El Al Israel Airlines reported a 150% surge in profits amid the Gaza conflict as foreign carriers suspended flights, leading to a near-monopoly for the airline. El Al added flights from Greece and Cyprus to assist stranded passengers and announced a $2.5 billion deal with Boeing for 31 new 737 MAX aircraft to upgrade its fleet.
US Ambassador to Turkey Jeff Flake has called on Turkey and other allies with ties to Iran to help de-escalate rising tensions in the Middle East following the assassination of senior Hamas and Hezbollah officials. Flake emphasized that Turkey’s influence is crucial in persuading Iran to avoid further retaliation against Israel.
Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis calls on Europe to take responsibility for sheltering and supporting children affected by the Gaza conflict, emphasizing humanitarian aid and Greece’s role as a peace broker with historical ties to the Arab world. As Greece assumes a seat on the UN Security Council, Gerapetritis advocates for urgent action amidst severe humanitarian crises and geopolitical challenges in Gaza.
Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis has urged Europe to take responsibility for hosting children affected by the Gaza conflict, emphasizing the humanitarian imperative amidst dire conditions in the region. Gerapetritis discussed this initiative with Palestinian leaders, aiming to garner support for accommodating children facing famine and trauma.
ICC Prosecutor Khan on application for arrest warrants in the situation in the State of Palestine
Amidst escalating tensions in the Gaza conflict, a powerful display of solidarity unfolded in Athens as hundreds gathered for a Pro-Palestinian Rally outside the parliament building. Carrying Palestinian flags and banners reading “Hands off Rafah!”, demonstrators voiced their support for Palestine amidst clashes with police. The rally comes as the Israeli military intensifies operations in eastern Rafah, Gaza Strip, drawing condemnation from protesters and calls for peace efforts to end the humanitarian crisis.
In a somber announcement, the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem has decided to limit Easter…
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis received an unexpected and contentious welcome during his recent visit…
Israelis are actively searching for available properties to house entire families in the Thessaloniki market,…