Jerusalem: Israeli forces raided church-owned land belonging to the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem in the town of Silwan, south of Al-Aqsa Mosque on Monday, marking the latest move targeting Palestinian religious properties in occupied East Jerusalem.
According to Anadolu Agency, the Jerusalem Governorate reported that personnel from Israel’s ‘Nature Authority’ entered the church-owned land and forced the official responsible for the property to vacate the premises. The land, owned by the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem, spans approximately 11 dunams (2.72 acres) and is situated near the Al-Bustan neighborhood in Silwan.
The governorate stated that Israeli authorities seized the land on June 15, enclosing it with fences and gates. This prompted the Patriarchate to file a lawsuit seeking the return of the land and the removal of Israeli control over it. An Israeli court has delayed a decision in the matter until Thursday, following the submission of documents by the Patriarchate that prove its ownership and ongoing use and maintenance of the land prior to the seizure.
According to Jerusalem-based institutions, this action is part of a broader set of escalating Israeli measures targeting Palestinian land and religious properties in occupied East Jerusalem, particularly in areas surrounding Al-Aqsa Mosque. Earlier this month, the Palestinian Presidential Committee for Church Affairs denounced the seizure of the church land, labeling it a ‘blatant violation’ of international law, private property rights, and the historical and religious standing of churches in the Palestinian territories.
The committee urged churches worldwide, along with international institutions, the UN, and rights organizations, to undertake concrete actions to protect church property and Islamic and Christian holy sites, and to hold those accountable under international law. Israel occupied East Jerusalem during the 1967 Arab-Israeli War and annexed the entire city in 1980, a move not recognized by the international community. Palestinians view East Jerusalem as the capital of their future state, in line with international resolutions that do not recognize Israel’s occupation of the city.