A similar incident occurred last year. Then, after diplomatic pressure on Israel, the permits were renewed. Last night, the churches issued a joint statement condemning the move by Israeli authorities

"While our schools are preparing for the opening of the new school year, we were unfortunately surprised, again, by the non-renewal of entry permits for more than 70 teachers and employees," the school said. "This happened suddenly and without prior notice," the statement added.

The Custodia Terrae Sanctae, a Catholic order that manages the holy sites and schools in Jerusalem, stated that "It is the duty of the Israeli government to ensure that all students in Israel begin the school year as usual and not to create discrimination between Jewish and Christian schools."