Jerusalem: The Palestinian Foreign Ministry on Friday strongly condemned Israel's seizure of land belonging to the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem in the Silwan neighborhood of occupied East Jerusalem. It said the June 15 seizure included the expulsion of the Patriarchate's representative, the confiscation of his equipment, the uprooting of trees, and the erection of walls and gates around the property.
According to Anadolu Agency, the ministry described the action as a "blatant violation of the sanctity of church property," emphasizing that the land is "officially registered in the name of the Patriarchate and adjacent to a historic monastery containing religious and archaeological sites of historical and cultural value." The ministry further stated that the seizure is "part of a systematic policy aimed at seizing church properties and altering the historical, religious, and demographic character of occupied Jerusalem, including targeting the authentic Christian presence."
The Palestinian Foreign Ministry stressed that all "annexation, confiscation, and seizure measures are null and void under international law and have no legal effect," asserting that these illegal measures "do not create any legal right for the occupation." It demanded an immediate halt to all arbitrary measures against church properties, the restoration of the status quo ante, and guaranteed access to Christian lands and holy sites.
The ministry also urged the international community to "take immediate action to stop these violations, provide international protection for Christian and Muslim holy sites in occupied Jerusalem, increase the international presence on the ground in Jerusalem, and hold the occupation authorities accountable."
Meanwhile, the Israeli army has been conducting a large-scale military offensive in the northern West Bank since January 21, 2025. The operation began in the Jenin refugee camp before expanding to the Tulkarm and Nur Shams refugee camps. Official figures indicate that the attack has resulted in the deaths of dozens of Palestinians, injuries to hundreds, and the destruction of homes and infrastructure, displacing tens of thousands from camps and cities.
The occupied West Bank has witnessed escalating demolitions and attacks by Israeli forces and occupiers, including bulldozing agricultural land and restricting farmers' access, particularly in areas near settlements. Palestinians warn that these attacks pave the way for Israel to formally move toward annexation of the West Bank, which would end the possibility of a Palestinian state as outlined in UN resolutions.
Israel was established in 1948 on land occupied by armed Zionist groups that carried out attacks and displaced at least 750,000 Palestinians. Tel Aviv later occupied the remaining Palestinian territories and continues to refuse withdrawal or the establishment of a Palestinian state.