BETHLEHEM, January 6, 2026 (WAFA) – Member of the PLO Executive Committee and Head of the Presidential Higher Committee for Church Affairs Ramzi Khoury affirmed that celebrating Christmas in Palestine is not merely a religious occasion, but also a national and political message underscoring the steadfastness of the Palestinian people and their firm commitment to their right to life, freedom, and dignity on their land.

Khoury made the remarks in a speech delivered on behalf of President Mahmoud Abbas during Christmas celebrations according to the Julian calendar, held at the invitation of Greek Orthodox Patriarch Theophilos III, and attended by a representative of Jordan’s King Abdullah II, Jordanian Minister of Interior Mazin Al-Farrayeh.

Khoury conveyed the President’s greetings, congratulations and warm regards, stressing the Palestinian leadership’s commitment to protecting religious diversity and safeguarding the authentic Christian presence in Palestine.

He pointed to the symbolism of Christmas, emphasizing that the message of Christmas remains a call to stand by truth, confront injustice, and defend human dignity. He addressed the suffering of the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip as a result of the ongoing Israeli aggression, in occupied Jerusalem, where the Christian presence and identity are being eroded, and in the West Bank due to colonial and repressive policies. He also paid tribute to Palestinians in the diaspora who continue to uphold their legitimate right of return.

Khoury reaffirmed the Palestinian leadership’s commitment to continuing the struggle to achieve a just and comprehensive peace based on ending the occupation and establishing an independent Palestinian state.

In a related context, he refuted statements by the Israeli prime minister claiming to protect Christians, stressing that such claims contradict the reality faced by Palestinian Christians, including systematic restrictions, attacks on churches and holy sites, limitations on freedom of worship, targeting of clergy, and a silent displacement affecting the indigenous Christian presence in the land of Christ’s birth.

He stressed that Palestinian Christians do not need false testimonies from the occupation authorities, but rather genuine justice and an end to the system of oppression targeting the Palestinian people and their Islamic and Christian holy sites.

Khoury also underscored the role of the Presidential Higher Committee for Church Affairs in defending the authentic Christian presence, protecting holy sites, and confronting attempts to distort reality in all forums.

In concluding his remarks, Khoury expressed appreciation to Patriarch Theophilos III for his steadfast positions and continued support for the Palestinian people, and thanked all the church, community, and security bodies that contributed to the success of the celebration. The Head of the Presidential Higher Committee for Church Affairs also renewed prayers for freedom for detainees, recovery for the injured, and a just peace for Palestine.
T.R.