Christian leaders have accused Israeli settlers of attacking sacred sites and homes in the West Bank, with some warning the escalating violence may force Christians to leave the occupied territory.
During a visit to the Christian town of Taybeh, the Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem, Theophilos III, said settlers had ignited a fire near a cemetery and a 5th-century church last week. Joined by other clerics, he condemned the incident as a threat to both the local community and the region’s religious heritage.
“These actions are a direct and intentional threat to our local community… but also to the historic and religious heritage,” Patriarch Theophilos said during a press conference, calling for “an immediate and transparent investigation on why the Israeli police did not respond to emergency calls from the local community and why these abhorrent actions continue to go unpunished.”
Church leaders led prayers at the Church of St George and met with residents, many of whom expressed fear for their safety. Theophilos also reported that settlers had attacked homes in the area.
The Israeli government has not commented on the specific allegations but has previously stated that violence by civilians is unacceptable and that no one should take the law into their own hands.
Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Roman Catholic Patriarch of Jerusalem, voiced concern over the growing number of Christians considering emigration.
“Unfortunately, the temptation to emigrate is there because of the situation,” he said. “This time it’s very difficult to see how and when this will finish, and especially for the youth to talk about hope, trust for the future.”
Rights groups such as B’Tselem say settler violence has intensified since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza in late 2023.
Around 50,000 Christian Palestinians live in Jerusalem and the West Bank – home to some of Christianity’s holiest sites, including Bethlehem. Approximately 700,000 Israeli settlers now live among 2.7 million Palestinians in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, areas occupied by Israel since the 1967 war and seen by Palestinians as part of their future state.
Source: Ekathimerini
