Last Christian town in West Bank attacked by Israelis, church leaders appeal to world for help

Ancient church under attack

Source: Posted by Rev Mitri Raheb on Facebook

A 5th century church and an ancient Christian cemetery were badly vandalised by Israeli 'settlers' in the last Christian town in the West Bank yesterday.

In a statement today, Tuesday, 8 July, the priests of the churches of Taybeh - Latins, Greek Catholics, and Greek Orthodox - made a clear appeal to the world, expressing deep concern about the increasing and documented attacks by illegal Israeli settlers on the town's land, holy sites, and properties - amidst official silence that exacerbates the sense of danger and lack of protection.

Speaking on behalf of themselves, the town's residents, and their congregation, the priests expressed strong condemnation of these attacks that threaten the town's security and stability, targeting the dignity of its residents and sacred lands.

The statement, issued by Father Dawood Khoury, Father Jacques-Noble Abed, and Father Bishara Fawaz, described what is happening in the town as "a serious series of systematic attacks" that not only threaten the town's security and stability but also aim to undermine the dignity of its Christian residents and tamper with their historical and religious heritage.

One of the most recent incidents occurred on Monday, July 7, 2025, when settlers deliberately set fires near the town's cemetery and the ancient Church of the Greens, which dates back to the 5th century AD and is one of the oldest churches in Palestine.

According to the statement, the quick intervention of the residents and firefighting teams prevented a disaster that could have engulfed the church completely. However, this incident was not isolated but part of daily attacks that have become familiar to the residents of Taybeh, according to the statement.

The settlers continue to graze their livestock on the town's agricultural lands, including private fields near homes, without facing any legal or security deterrent. This activity not only constitutes provocation but also leads to direct damage to olive trees, which are a primary source of livelihood for families, and prevents farmers from accessing and working on their lands freely.

The statement pointed out that the eastern part of Taybeh, which represents more than half of the town's area and hosts most of its agricultural activity, is particularly threatened by the expansion of illegal settlement outposts that are expanding quietly under military protection and serve as a launchpad for new attacks on residents and their lands.

The priests warned that silence in the face of these attacks is no longer possible. Taybeh, known as 'Aphram' in the Bible and where Jesus Christ sought refuge before his Passion and crucifixion, is today the last Palestinian town with an absolute Christian majority in the West Bank. Its Christian presence, rooted for two thousand years and carefully preserved through generations, is today facing the danger of being emptied due to multi-front targeting: land, holy sites, and people.

In conclusion, the priests directed a clear appeal to consuls, ambassadors, and church representatives around the world, calling for an immediate and transparent investigation into the incidents of arson and attacks, and pressure on the Israeli occupation authorities to prevent settlers from entering the town's lands and to send international field missions to document violations.

They also demanded support for the residents of Taybeh through economic, agricultural, and effective legal initiatives, emphasizing that "the Holy Land cannot remain alive without its original inhabitants."

The priests concluded their statement with a phrase that encapsulates the situation and the tragedy: "The displacement of farmers from their land, the threat to their churches, and the siege of their town is a stab to the heart of this nation. Yet, our hope remains firm: that right and justice will ultimately prevail.