Huckabee visits Taybeh after arson attack near ancient church

In the occupied West Bank, the village of Taybeh experienced an arson attack near the Church of Saint George, which dates back to the fifth century. Residents accused Israeli settlers of being responsible for the fire, a claim that has sparked significant controversy. The incident occurred in early July and has been part of broader tensions in the West Bank, where violence has escalated since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war. U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee visited Taybeh to demonstrate support for the Christian community, emphasizing that any act of violence against places of worship is unacceptable and should have consequences. Huckabee urged for accountability and justice for any acts of violence perpetrated, stating that such acts damage not only communities but sacred sites belonging to God. Amid conflicting narratives, an independent investigation into the incident raised questions regarding the origin of the fire and the motivations behind the accusations against settlers. Some locals suggested that allegations of ‘settler violence’ may be politically driven, complicating the already tense environment surrounding this event. As the political and social climate remains charged, the incident has highlighted ongoing issues related to religious sites, community coexistence, and the complexities of the Israel-Palestine conflict.