Israeli restrictions on ‘Holy Fire’ ignite Christian outrage

Christian pilgrims hold candles as they gather during the ceremony of the Holy Fire at Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Ariel Schalit/AP)

Christians have been celebrating the “Holy Fire” ceremony at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem against a backdrop of rising tensions with Israel, which imposed new restrictions on attendance this year that it said were needed for safety.

Israel says it wants to prevent another disaster after a crowd stampede at a packed Jewish holy site last year left 45 people dead.