Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar responded to Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's criticism regarding the restriction of access to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. Sa'ar accused Sánchez of not expressing any condemnation when an Iranian missile struck near the church. The conflict originated after the Israeli authorities' decision to prevent the celebration of Palm Sunday mass at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

Sa'ar, through social media, criticized Sánchez for allegedly taking every opportunity to attack Israel, mentioning that the Spanish president "never misses an opportunity to incite hatred against Israel." This statement came after Sánchez demanded that Israel respect the diversity of faiths and international law.

Pedro Sánchez demanded that Israel respect the diversity of faiths and international law after Israeli police prevented Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa from entering the Holy Sepulchre. Sánchez denounced that Netanyahu prevented Catholics from celebrating Palm Sunday without explanation. Sa'ar's response was that Israel is committed to freedom of religion and worship, and will continue to defend it, unlike the Iranian regime, according to his words.

The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem called the Israeli police's action "manifestly unreasonable and disproportionate," warning of a serious precedent that ignores the sensitivity of billions of people.

Both Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Israeli police argued that the decision to restrict access was based on security reasons, following the instructions of the Army in the context of the war against Iran. The police assured that they informed the Latin Patriarchate on Saturday about the impossibility of carrying out the visit for the aforementioned reasons. The diplomatic tension reflects the complexities of the situation in Jerusalem and the different interpretations of religious freedom and international law.

The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem issued a statement in which it described the Israeli police's action as "manifestly unreasonable and disproportionate." This measure, according to the Patriarchate, sets a dangerous precedent that ignores the sensitivity of billions of people around the world, especially during Holy Week.

The situation highlights the existing tensions in the region and the delicate situation surrounding the holy sites of Jerusalem.