RAMALLAH, July 14, 2025 (WAFA) – Diplomats from more than 20 Arab and foreign countries, along with patriarchs and heads of churches in Jerusalem, visited today the town of Taybeh east of Ramallah in light of the alarming escalation in colonists’ attacks on the town, its properties and its religious sites, particularly churches and Christian cemeteries.
The delegation was received by Father Bashar Fawadleh, the Latin Rite pastor in Taybeh since 2021, Suleiman Khourieh, Mayor of Taybeh, and local residents, who briefed the visitors on the recent colonists’ attacks targeting the town's lands and holy sites. This included a deliberate arson attack near the historic St. George (Al-Khader) Church and its adjacent cemetery, which nearly resulted in a catastrophe but was quickly contained thanks to the prompt action of local residents and Palestinian Civil Defense crews.
Father Fawadleh emphasized that the residents were born and raised in the town and have the right to enjoy their freedoms like all other people around the world—free from oppression and injustice.
He further emphasized that Taybeh, like other Palestinian areas, is constantly subjected to harassment and violent settler attacks, which must be stopped.
He highlighted the religious significance of Al-Khader Church, originally built in the 5th century and restored in the 9th century, describing it as the most important religious and archaeological site east of Ramallah. He urged for practical measures to be taken on the ground to safeguard the town’s residents, rather than mere statements and condemnations.
Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem affirmed his solidarity and support against the attacks, noting that actions have been taken on the ground and several letters have been sent to the international community urging them to pressure the Israeli government to stop these violations.
The Council of Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem reaffirmed their support for Taybeh amid escalating targeted attacks on the Christian community and the residents’ right to live with dignity. They called on the global Christian community to offer prayers, show solidarity, and take meaningful action.
They also warned that Taybeh is the last Palestinian town with an entirely Christian population, and that what is happening is not merely a violation but a deliberate and direct attempt to Judaize their community, along with their religious and historical heritage and holy sites.
They praised the residents’ resilience, saying the greatest act of courage is their steadfastness on their land.
The Council called for holding these extremists accountable by the Israeli authorities, who facilitate their violations. It urged an immediate and transparent investigation into the reasons behind the authorities’ failure to respond to residents’ emergency calls.
On July 7, colonists deliberately set fires near the town cemetery and the historic St. George Church, which dates back to the 5th century AD.
Earlier, on June 4, colonists established a new outpost on the ruins of homes belonging to a Palestinian family who had been forcibly displaced about a year ago following a series of violent settler attacks in the town of Taybeh, east of Ramallah.
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