UN envoy and Israel in Easter ritual access row Published duration 20 April 2014

image copyright AFP image caption The Holy Fire ceremony involves passing a flame around the Church of the Holy Sepulchre

The UN's Middle East peace envoy has criticised Israeli authorities for allegedly preventing him from reaching an Easter ritual in Jerusalem.

Robert Serry said the delay was "unacceptable behaviour" and called on all parties to "respect the right of religious freedom".

Israel said it was a "micro-incident" and questioned Mr Serry's judgement.

Thousands of Christian pilgrims took part in the Holy Fire ceremony at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

Mr Serry said that he was held up at a checkpoint along with other diplomats and dozens of Palestinians trying to make their way to the ceremony.

He told Reuters news agency that he might have been trampled had he not eventually been allowed to pass.

"It became really dangerous because there was a big crowd and I was pushed against a metal fence the police put up there, the crowd tried to push really hard," he said.

"This wasn't something you associate with a peaceful procession for Easter." he said.

image copyright Reuters image caption Dutch diplomat Robert Serry has been the UN's Middle East peace envoy since 2007

An Israeli foreign ministry spokesman said Mr Serry had displayed "a serious problem of judgment" and that any attempts to limit access were carried out for safety reasons.

Spokesman Yigal Palmor praised "the dedicated work of the Jerusalem police".

A foreign ministry statement added: "Had any harm come to the pilgrims due to uncontrolled crowd movements, Mr Serry would have been prompt to cast responsibility on the same police which he now condemns for doing its job properly".

Ancient tradition

The Holy Fire is considered a miracle occurring every year on Holy Saturday, the day before Easter Sunday.

Worshippers say the flame appears from Jesus' tomb inside the church to show he has not forgotten his followers.

The ancient church is believed to be built on the site of his crucifixion, burial and resurrection.

In keeping with tradition, the church was unlocked by a Muslim family which has held the keys for centuries.

Meanwhile in Rome, Pope Francis called on Catholics to spread the message of God "to the very ends of the Earth".

He called on Catholics to recover "the fire which Jesus has kindled in the world and to bring that fire to all people".

He was addressing followers at an Easter vigil Mass in St Peter's Basilica on Saturday.

The Catholic Church's main Easter Mass will be celebrated on Easter Sunday, the holiest day in the Church's calendar.

image copyright AFP image caption The Holy Fire is passed between worshippers from candle to candle

image copyright AP image caption Christians believe the flame spontaneously ignites at Jesus' tomb every Holy Saturday

image copyright Reuters image caption Pilgrims react to a beam of sunlight filtering from the ceiling of the ancient church

image copyright Reuters image caption Police enforced tight security to keep crowds from surging into the church

image copyright Reuters image caption Christians elsewhere also partook in Easter rituals, like these women who are being blessed with holy water by an Orthodox priest in the eastern Ukrainian town of Sloviansk

image copyright AFP image caption Here, penitents are seen during a procession on the Spanish Canary Island of Tenerife