Church leaders condemn rising settler violence in Christian village
- Greek Orthodox Patriarch Theophilos III and Latin Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa visited the village of Taybeh to express solidarity with the local community.
- They condemned recent acts of violence by settlers, including setting fires near a local church and encroaching Palestinian lands.
- The church leaders called for accountability from Israeli authorities and emphasized the need for the rule of law to protect vulnerable communities.
In the occupied West Bank, a notable incident has drawn attention, as church leaders have publicly condemned the actions of Israeli settlers against the only entirely Christian Palestinian village, Taybeh. On a rare visit to the village, Greek Orthodox Patriarch Theophilos III and Latin Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa highlighted a recent fire incident set by settlers near the village's church. Allegations have surfaced indicating that Israeli authorities did not respond to emergency calls from the Palestinian community during this attack, raising concerns about the enforcement of law in the region. The church leaders, who have made this visit amidst a backdrop of growing violence in the West Bank, described the settlers' conduct as indicative of a broader lawlessness. They expressed strong sentiments regarding an incident where settlements encroached on Palestinian lands, leading to increased aggression such as cattle grazing on these properties, home burnings, and threatening messages. The patriarchs are advocating for accountability and a review of the actions of Israeli authorities that allegedly enable settler violence. With a significant uptick in violence reported in conjunction with the ongoing conflict in Gaza, this condemnation comes as both a call to action and a plea for protection of the local district's integrity. The Christian community in this region has been in decline over the decades, leading to concerns over the viability of these religious communities under the current political and social climate. The patriarchs' statements serve not only as a denunciation of recent events but also as an urgent appeal to uphold the sanctity of the rule of law. As tensions rise with intergroup conflicts increasing and many Palestinians displaced, the involvement of church leaders underscores the intersection of religion and politics in this contested area. This visit to Taybeh is part of a larger narrative concerning Palestinian rights and the future of Christian communities in the region, revealing the urgent need for protective measures amid such hostile encounters.