The European Union hopes that a solution over the closure of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher can be found quickly, EU top diplomat Federica Mogherini said in a statement.
“Let me say, today in particular, one word on the closure yesterday of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem in protest to certain Israeli steps planned or announced. We hope that a solution can be found quickly. Jerusalem is a holy city to the three monotheistic religions. This special status and character of the city must be preserved and respected by all,” she said.
Greek-Orthodox, Armenian Orthodox and Catholics churches decided to take this “unprecedented step of closure” as a measure of protest.
The Jerusalem authorities demand municipal tax from all their real estate, having imposed a penalty for the previous years. Holy City authorities pursue $186 million for church taxes.
