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Palestinian Christians Surprised To Receive Travel Permits

When Palestinian Christians suddenly received unsolicited three-month travel permits, they and the Catholic leaders were surprised and worried.
Palestinian Orthodox Christians parade as they celebrate the arrival of the 'Holy Fire' from Jerusalem's Holy Sepulchre in the occupied West Bank city of Ramallah May 4, 2013. REUTERS/Mohamad Torokman (WEST BANK - Tags: RELIGION TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY) - RTXZA2N

Alaa from Beit Jala was surprised like many other Palestinian Christians this week when their local church leaders acquired three-month travel permits that will allow them to visit Jerusalem and Israel, and even stay overnight if they choose to. The permits, however, were not given to all Palestinian Christians.

"As part of the easings given to the Palestinian Christian population for Easter, approximately 21,000 permits were issued," the Israeli army's coordinator office told Al-Monitor.

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