holy sites
Jordan debating whether to open up to Shiite pilgrims
By Daoud Kuttab — July 8, 2021
AMMAN, Jordan (RNS) — Jordanians are discussing the possibility of opening the Sunni Islam-majority country to Shiite pilgrims long discouraged from visiting the tombs of the relatives of the Prophet Muhammad.
New players add volatility in Jerusalem tensions
By Josef Federman — April 26, 2021
(AP) — The fate of Jerusalem and its holy sites is one of the most explosive issues in the conflict.
Church of the Holy Sepulchre to reopen after tax spat
By Delta Systems — February 27, 2018
JERUSALEM (AP) — Major denominations, including the Roman Catholic and Greek Orthodox churches, said in a statement on Tuesday (Feb. 27) that the church would reopen early Wednesday after being closed for three days to protest the Israeli tax plan.
Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem excites apocalyptic fervor
By Matthew Gabriele — December 11, 2017
(RNS) — Some evangelical Christian leaders have greeted it as the beginning of a final battle between good and evil, writes Matthew Gabriele. (COMMENTARY)
Angry protests across Muslim world over Trump decision on Jerusalem
By Jerome Socolovsky — December 8, 2017
JERUSALEM (AP) — Large crowds of worshippers across the Muslim world staged anti-U.S. marches, some stomping on posters of Donald Trump or burning American flags in the largest outpouring of anger yet at the U.S. president's recognition of bitterly contested Jerusalem as Israel's capital.
Why Trump’s evangelical supporters welcome his move on Jerusalem
By Julie Ingersoll — December 7, 2017
(The Conversation) — For many of President Trump’s evangelical supporters this is a key step in the progression of events leading to the second coming of Jesus.
Cheers, rage and shrugs after Trump recognizes Jerusalem as Israel’s capital
By Lauren Markoe — December 6, 2017
JERUSALEM (RNS) — The president made the declaration despite world leaders' warnings that the move would further incite an already volatile region and make it harder to restart peace talks between Israelis and Palestinians.
Religious leaders offer mixed reactions to Trump’s decision on Jerusalem
By Emily McFarlan Miller — December 6, 2017
(RNS) — Trump's announcement on Wednesday (Dec. 6) followed days of speculation and concern from many that such a move could lead to violence and quash hopes for a U.S.-backed Mideast peace plan. Many religious leaders echoed that concern, while others welcomed the decision — notably Trump's evangelical Christian supporters.
Trump flouts warnings, declares Jerusalem Israel’s capital
By Jerome Socolovsky — December 6, 2017
WASHINGTON (AP) — He also for the first time personally endorsed the concept of a "two-state solution" for Israel and the Palestinians, provided both sides agree to it.
Trump decision on Jerusalem could have deep repercussions
By Jerome Socolovsky — December 6, 2017
JERUSALEM (AP) — Any recognition of Israel's control over the city will be welcomed by Israel and be popular with pro-Israel evangelical Christian voters who make up a key part of Trump's base. But it could also trigger violence in the region and infuriate key allies in the Arab world and in the West.
Pope urges status quo, ‘wisdom and prudence’ for Jerusalem
By Nicole Winfield — December 6, 2017
VATICAN CITY (AP) — Francis said he was 'profoundly concerned' about recent developments concerning Jerusalem and declared the city a unique and sacred place for Christians, Jews and Muslims that has a 'special vocation for peace.'
Don’t mess around with Jerusalem
By Jeffrey Salkin — December 5, 2017
(RNS) — Jerusalem is holy. That should be enough for us.
Trump forges ahead on Jerusalem despite warnings of violence
By Jerome Socolovsky — December 5, 2017
JERUSALEM (AP) — Turkey threatened to cut ties with Israel, the Palestinians warned they would halt contacts with their U.S. counterparts — and key Washington ally Saudi Arabia spoke out strongly against such a possible step.
Hajj pilgrimage entangled in web of Saudi politics
By Yonat Shimron — August 29, 2017
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Saudi Arabia uses its oversight of the hajj to bolster its standing in the Muslim world — and to spite its foes, from Iran and Syria to Qatar.
Trump in Israel, to visit holy sites
By Reuters — May 22, 2017
TEL AVIV, Israel (Reuters) - In Jerusalem, he will pray at the Western Wall and visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
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