The Christmas tree at Manger Square near the Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem, West Bank, Dec. 3, 2022.[/caption]
Since last November, surveillance cameras have filmed 19 attacks, including spitting, swearing, physical violence against clergy, and vandalism perpetrated by ultra-nationalist and ultra-orthodox Jews. Other incidents of harassment include vandalism, arson and acoustic disturbance of processions or religious ceremonies
The man spent the night in custody and was released the next morning to two days of house arrest in exchange for a 3,000-shekel ($913) bond. The assailants were released under restrictive conditions on the day of the attack.
Father Talat Awad, pastor of the Church of the Dormition in the West Bank, told The New Arab that Israel’s occupation spares nothing—“humans, stones, trees, or animals.” He added that Christians and church properties in Jerusalem now face the same destruction and violence long inflicted on Gaza’s churches.
The cultural and historical sites of Gaza form an integral part of world heritage. Their destruction amounts to crimes under international criminal law.
A reporter in Gaza finds a Catholic community grieving their family members killed by Israeli bombs, but still worshipping together.
‘These actions are part of a systematic policy aimed at dismantling the authentic Christian presence in Palestine,’ says the Higher Presidential Committee of Church Affairs in Palestine.
“Shame on you,” says Father Jacques Noble-Abed of Taybeh, in the occupied West Bank, referring to US evangelicals who support Israel. “Because this is not the teaching of Jesus in the Gospel.”
“They wanted me to sign a statement admitting that I was a dangerous person. I didn’t sign it, and I say that all of us, peoples and governments of democratic nations, should no longer sign anything with Israel.”
In a rare shift, U.S. evangelical leaders, GOP lawmakers, and right-wing influencers—led by Ambassador Mike Huckabee—are openly criticizing Israel’s actions in Gaza and the West Bank. One conservative pundit stated, “The Israeli government is really screwing up. This horrific war must come to a complete end.”
Appeals and negotiations won’t make Israel stop starving Gaza