Update on young Christian woman arrested by Israeli army

Natalie Abuddayeh

Source: ELCJHL

Bishop Dr Imad Haddad, Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land writes:

Dear friends and partners,

We give thanks to each of you who have prayed and advocated for the safety and release of ELCJHL youth Natalie Abuddayeh after she was detained by Israeli forces on June 2nd. Unfortunately, Natalie has still not been released.

We have been informed that she had a court appearance yesterday, and the proceedings will continue in ten days. The other three women who were detained with Natalie remain in prison as well. We are deeply concerned about their continued detention and that these proceedings are being held in Israeli military court, where administrative detention can be extended without official charge or trial.

Disturbingly, Natalie's ongoing detainment is part of a pattern of recent Israeli raids, arrests, and restrictions on Palestinian universities, limiting academic freedom and restricting the right of education. Our youth feel targeted. We are losing an entire generation as our young people struggle to imagine a future in their homeland. Our ELCJHL youth are incredibly dismayed and anxious about the wellbeing and future of Natalie, their sister and friend, and for their own safety here.

This pattern of violence, erasure, and fear is destroying Palestinian life.

We once again call on the global church to remember your commitment to work for justice, peace, and fullness of life, and we ask you to continue to advocate for Natalie's immediate release.

Please continue to hold Natalie and her family in your prayers.

Bishop Dr Imad Haddad

Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land

See earlier report:

ICN 2 June 2026 Holy Land: Another young Christian woman abducted at gunpoint by Israeli forces - www.indcatholicnews.com/news/55131