BETHLEHEM, May 5, 2026 (WAFA) – Israeli occupation forces on Tuesday evening attacked Palestinian worshippers marking the Feast of St. George in Al-Khader, a town south of Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank, according to WAFA correspondent.

He reported security sources as confirming that a convoy of Israeli army vehicles stormed the old area of the town, where many Palestinian Christians had assembled near St. George’s Monastery to observe the feast.

He added that the heavily armed soldiers unleashed barrages of tear gas and concussion grenades, but without causing any injuries.

The Orthodox Church marks the feast of Saint George on April 23 according to the Julian Calendar, corresponding to May 5. St. George is also known to Christians as Mar Jeries, while the Muslims refer to him as Al Khader.

A Greek Orthodox Monastery dating back to the 16th century was erected in his name, just south of Bethlehem, next to the village that carries his name, Al-Khader.

K.F.