Jerusalem: Patriarchs and heads of churches in Jerusalem have strongly condemned a settler attack on the Christian town of Taybeh in the West Bank, calling it part of a pattern of intimidation targeting Palestinian communities.
According to Anadolu Agency, the church leaders issued a joint statement revealing that several vehicles were set on fire and racist graffiti was sprayed during the incident. They described the attack as an act aimed at intimidating a peaceful community deeply connected to the land of Christ. Masked settlers, some armed and on horseback, reportedly raided the town, threatening residents and approaching the historic Church of St. George.
The statement criticized the Israeli police for minimizing the incident as mere property damage, arguing that such characterizations misrepresent the truth and ignore violations of international humanitarian and human rights laws, including the right to religious freedom and the protection of cultural heritage. Additionally, the church leaders condemned disinformation campaigns by settler-affiliated groups, warning that these narratives attempt to discredit victims and deflect international scrutiny.
The church officials called upon the Israeli government to hold the perpetrators accountable, provide consistent protection for Taybeh's residents, and fulfill its obligations under international law.
According to the Palestinian news agency Wafa, illegal settlers raided Taybeh early Monday, torching two vehicles and spray-painting racist slogans on a Palestinian home's wall. Following the assault, Israeli forces entered the town with military vehicles.
The Palestinian Foreign Ministry condemned the attack, stating it demonstrated a disregard for international reactions to previous settler assaults on Taybeh, including attacks on its cemetery and the Church of St. George earlier this month. The ministry urged for firm international measures to compel Israel to end settler violence and bring those responsible to justice.
Last month, settlers established a new outpost on the ruins of Palestinian homes demolished after violent attacks in Taybeh last year. Following a July 7 assault on the town's cemetery and church, church leaders and diplomats from over 20 Arab and foreign countries visited Taybeh in solidarity with its residents.
Since the start of Israel's conflict with the Gaza Strip in October 2023, at least 1,009 Palestinians have been killed and more than 7,000 injured in the West Bank by Israeli forces and settlers, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry.
In a landmark opinion last July, the International Court of Justice declared Israel's occupation of Palestinian territory illegal and called for the evacuation of all settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.