Al Jazeera has spoken to Palestinian Christian pastor and theologian, Reverend Munther Isaac, who lamented the fact that this is the second year in which Christians in the occupied West Bank “mark Easter in the shadow of the genocide unfolding in Gaza”.

“There is clearly an atmosphere of frustration and anger, even fear, that characterises our celebrations this year,” he said. “It’s really hard to fathom the idea that we’re still saying the same things about the need for a ceasefire, for this genocide to stop.”

However, he said there is also a sense of “defiance and resilience, whether it’s the faithful in Gaza insisting on holding prayers despite the risk, or the faithful here (in occupied East Jerusalem), who are celebrating in prayer, defiance and hope”.

He added that it is the duty of people to speak up, adding, “I think the silence of many people of faith around the world, including many church leaders … is too loud.”