RAMALLAH, May 7, 2026 (WAFA) – The Palestinian Presidential Higher Committee for Church Affairs discussed the escalating targeting of the Christian presence in the Palestinian territories, particularly in Jerusalem, during a meeting at the European Parliament.

The meeting brought together committee representative in Europe Amira Hanania, Founder and President of Dar al-Kalima University Mitri Raheb, Reverend Fadi Diab of the Episcopal Church in Ramallah, and Palestinian Ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg, and the European Union Amal Jado Shakaa, with Chair of the European Parliament Committee on Foreign Affairs David McAllister and Member of the European Parliament Regina Doherty, in Brussels.

During the meeting, the Committee delegation reviewed the violations against clergy and church institutions, noting the increasing attacks carried out by colonists, including the desecration of religious symbols and the rise of hate speech and incitement, all within an environment characterized by near-total impunity.

The meeting also addressed the situation in several areas of the West Bank, particularly the town of Taybeh, as well as Birzeit, Beit Sahour, and Al-Makhrour, which have witnessed an unprecedented escalation in colonists attacks amidst a lack of effective protection and a failure to hold the perpetrators accountable.

The delegation emphasized that these violations are part of a systematic policy targeting the Christian presence, including imposing taxes on church properties, attempting to seize land, restricting the practice of religious rites, and exerting pressure that pushes towards forced emigration.

The delegation stressed that the continuation of these policies in the absence of international accountability undermines the international legal system. It called on the European Union to take clear political measures to ensure protection and accountability.

The delegation also emphasized the need to keep this issue on the European Parliament's agenda and to work on developing effective parliamentary monitoring mechanisms that keep pace with developments on the ground.

The meeting concluded with an agreement to continue coordination and joint action to strengthen efforts aimed at protecting holy sites, preserving religious pluralism, and maintaining the Christian presence in Palestine.

The meeting comes as part of an ongoing political and diplomatic effort led by the Presidential Committee to convey the reality of Palestinian Christians to international decision-making circles.

Y.S