Holy Land's last historic Christian village threatened with annexation

Father Bashar Fawadleh at his 2014 ordination Mass in Ramallah. Image: © ACN

Source: Aid to the Church in Need

Christians in the West Bank risk becoming "a memory of the past" as a result of decisions by Israeli authorities giving settlers increased rights, a priest in the Holy Land has warned.

Taybeh's Roman Catholic parish priest, Father Bashar Fawadleh, told Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) of "mounting pressure" on the 1,400 people living in the Christian-majority village, following measures introduced last month.

He said: "The Israeli government's security cabinet made a very serious decision regarding the West Bank, strengthening its direct control over this territory.

"This decision is considered one of the most dangerous since 1967 and many people see it as the beginning of an official annexation of the West Bank."

The priest said many administrative and civil responsibilities are being transferred to Israeli institutions, even in areas under Palestinian authority.

He added: "The expansion of settlements is being encouraged. Settlers can buy more land and expand their outposts. This puts growing pressure on Palestinian towns and villages like ours…

"This decision directly affects people's daily lives, which are becoming more difficult. Families are losing their homes. Workers can no longer go to their jobs. Students struggle to get to school. Farmers can no longer access their lands."

Even before the new decision, Taybeh had suffered attacks. In December two cars were set on fire and a building defaced with threatening graffiti.

Fr Fawadleh said in February Israeli settlers destroyed agricultural land, burnt properties and prevented farmers from accessing their olive trees, the main source of income for many families.

On 28th February settlers entered land belonging to a family and stole a horse and its foal.

According to the priest, the conflict in Gaza also has "profound repercussions" in the West Bank.

He said: "The general climate has become more fragile and tense, with an increase in military operations, traffic restrictions due to the installation of military gates at several entrances to the city, including a new one about two weeks ago.

"Israeli forces control when they are opened and closed, disrupting the daily lives of civilians. With this new Israeli decision of February 2026, the pressure will increase even further.

"Settlement expansion threatens agricultural lands. The lack of protection leaves residents without legal support. The violence creates a climate of fear and insecurity."

Fr Fawadleh said some Christian families had already left Taybeh with others "seriously considering it".

He added: "The history of Taybeh speaks of empty houses, lost lands, broken communities, and the progressive disappearance of Christians from their historic land."

Fr Fawadleh said as a pastor he understood the fear and the responsibilities families have to their children.

He added: "But I also want to remind them that the Christian presence in Taybeh is a mission and a living testimony - that of a faith rooted in this land where Christianity was born. Leaving the land is sometimes a human necessity, but staying is often an act of faith and hope."

He said people needed "concrete support" such as job creation, parish solidarity and ensuring families feel that they are not alone.

"As a priest on the ground, I expect the international community to visit us, document the incidents and to take clear action to guarantee the safety of civilians, access to agricultural lands and sources of income, the protection of places of worship and an end to impunity.

Fr Fawadleh added: "As the priest of Taybeh, I would like to say to Christians around the world that we need your solidarity.

"Taybeh is not just a village - it is a living sign of the Christian presence in the Holy Land.

"Pray for us, but also support us through your actions, your commitment, and your testimony. Help us ensure that the Christians of this land remain a living community, rooted in faith, and not a mere memory of the past. Thank you again for your support and your prayers for the communities of the Holy Land."

With thanks to Christophe Lafontaine

LINK

Aid to the Church in Need: https://acnuk.org