Media stirs controversy by portraying Jesus as a modern Palestinian during the Israel-Hamas conflict, erasing his ancient Jewish identity in a politically charged narrative.
Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Muhammad Shtayyeh called Jesus 'the first Palestinian self-sacrificing fighter from whom we learned Martyrdom-death, and who paid for his mission with his life.'
Palestinian leadership insulted Christians by claiming that Jesus, who was a Jew living in Judea, was the 'first Islamic martyr,' a contention that is historically impossible.
In an effort to uncover the original rock surface where Jesus' body was laid, the main Christian communities that govern the church have allowed a work crew only 60 hours to excavate the Edicule, the inner sanctum that covers what is believed to be the original cave where Jesus is said to have been entombed and resurrected.
A team of experts began a historic renovation on Monday at the spot where Christians believe Jesus was buried, overcoming longstanding religious rivalries to carry out the first repairs at the site in more than 200 years.
Join More than
11,123,137
United With Israel
You will receive updates from Israel (see privacy policy)