New attack against Taybeh: Patriarchs ask for moral clarity and commitment

This July 29, the patriarchs and leaders of the Churches of Jerusalem, issued a statement condemning another “violent attack” against the people of Taybeh, the only completely Christian village in the West Bank, Jerusalem and Gaza.

Israeli settlers set fire to vehicles and “painted hate graffiti”, acts considered by patriarchs as “an unequivocal act of intimidation aimed at a peaceful and faithful community, rooted in the land of Christ.”

Receive the main news of ACI Press by WhatsApp and Telegram

It is increasingly difficult to see Catholic news on social networks. Subscribe to our free channels today:

Fuentes in Taybeh, who asked to maintain anonymity for security reasons, told ACI Press that during the early hours of Monday, July 28, the northeast part of the town was attacked, within the Greek Orthodox residential complex, where two vehicles were set on fire that then exploded.

One of the burning vehicles within the Greek Orthodox residential complex of Taybeh. Credit: Palestinian Information Center.
One of the burning vehicles within the Greek Orthodox residential complex of Taybeh. Credit: Palestinian Information Center.

“Children and families live in panic, fear and terror, fearing that this happens again. If the young people of the town and the Palestinian civil defense would not have been alert, the houses would also have set fire,” added the local source.

According to Aci mena -Ewtn news assistance for the Arab world-in the graffiti a threatening phrase in Hebrew was included: “al-Maghir”, which means “you will regret it.”

This attack against Taybeh is part of a new wave of violence against its population, which began in early July, with the aim of displacing its inhabitants and “undermining the dignity of its residents and the holiness of their sacred land,” as they affirmed In a statement The three parish priests of the local Christian churches.

Graffiti with threatening phrases in Hebrew. Credit: Palestinian Information Center.
Graffiti with threatening phrases in Hebrew. Credit: Palestinian Information Center.

One of them, the priest Bashar Fawadleh, a Latin pastor in Taybeh since 2021, told ACI Press that the intention of Christians is to stay in their homes despite intimidation.

According to the patriarchs and leaders of the churches of Jerusalem, the fire reached the walls of the Church of San Jorge, a historic Byzantine style temple dating from the 5th century and where religious celebrations are usually made.

This, they consider, “is not an isolated event” but “is part of an alarming pattern of violence of the settlers against the West Bank communities, including their homes, sacred spaces and ways of life.”

In addition, the statement denounces that a few days ago Israeli settlers “forcefully broke into Taybeh”, carrying their cattle to graze in the center of the town. The settlers wandered the streets, some masked and armed, “sowing terror and threatening the holiness of everyday life.”

“We regret that the official statements of the Israeli police reduce the matter only to property damage, omitting the broader context of systematic intimidation and abuse,” says the patriarchs in their statement.

“These omissions distort the truth and do not address the violations of international humanitarian law and human rights, including the right to religious freedom and the protection of cultural heritage,” they add.

Patriarchs consider attacks as “an unequivocal act of intimidation aimed at a peaceful community
Patriarchs consider attacks as “an unequivocal act of intimidation aimed at a peaceful community.” Credit: Palestinian Information Center.

In the statement they also condemn “the reactionary misinformation campaign of groups related to Israeli settlers”, which they say was launched after The last visit of local patriarchs and leaders.

“Instead of addressing the serious violations that occur, these narratives try to discredit the victims and minimize the importance of international solidarity. Such distortions intend to divert attention and cover up the criminal behavior that violates international norms,” they say.

For the worrying climate of impunity that, according to the patriarchs, reigns in the region, endangering the rule of law and peaceful coexistence “in the land of the resurrection”, the Circus leaders make three demands to the Israeli government, so that “acts with moral clarity and commitment”:

  • That demands responsibilities to those responsible for these crimes without delay.

  • That guarantees effective and constant protection for the population of Taybeh and all vulnerable communities.

  • That fulfills its obligations under international law and guarantees equality before the law.

“The lack of accountability not only threatens Christian communities, but also weakens the moral and legal foundations that support peace and justice for all,” they said.

togel

result hk

pengeluaran hk

result sdy

By adminn