please generate summary with 10 sentences from httpswwwreuterscomworldmiddle-eastchristians-celebrate-palm-sunday-jerusalem-striving-maintain-presence-2023-04-02

Christians in Jerusalem gathered to celebrate Palm Sunday, the start of the Holy Week leading to Easter. The procession started at the Mount of Olives and ended at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The event was attended by a limited number of participants due to COVID-19 restrictions. Christians in Jerusalem are striving to maintain their presence in the city, which has been declining for decades. Israeli authorities have been accused of limiting the ability of Christians to access holy sites and practice their faith. The Palestinian Authority has also been criticized for neglecting Christian communities in the West Bank. The decline in the Christian population is attributed to various factors, including economic difficulties and political instability. However, Christians in Jerusalem continue to celebrate their faith and maintain their traditions despite the challenges they face. The annual Palm Sunday procession serves as a reminder of the rich religious heritage of the city and the importance of preserving it for future generations.