In Jerusalem, services at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre have been suspended for the first time in history, according to the Catholic outlet Aleteia.
The church—considered the holiest site in Christianity and believed, according to tradition, to encompass both Golgotha and the tomb of Jesus Christ—was closed as early as February 28 following the outbreak of war with Iran, though the information has only now become public.
Access to the church had previously been restricted for pilgrims and tourists, but a complete suspension of services had not occurred until now.
The restrictions coincide with the period of Lent, and there remains a possibility that the church will stay closed through Easter.
On Monday, March 16, Israeli police reported falling debris near the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.