Church leaders have spoken out against a wave of violent attacks targeting Taybeh, the last remaining all-Christian town in the West Bank.
In a statement released on Monday, the Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem expressed their “profound concern” following fresh assaults by extremist Israeli settlers on the Palestinian town, located east of Ramallah. The most recent attack took place on Sunday, 28th July, when settlers reportedly torched several vehicles and sprayed hate-filled graffiti.
The Christian leaders said the violence was part of “an alarming pattern of settler violence against West Bank communities", warning that the incidents are threatening the safety and existence of a “peaceful and faithful community rooted in the land of Christ".
Among the targeted locations was shrubland behind the ancient fifth-century Church of St George, which was attacked earlier in the month and once again came under fire during the most recent unrest. Flames reportedly reached the church walls, and masked, armed settlers on horseback were seen roaming the town.
“These grievous incidents are not isolated,” the statement said. “They undermine the rule of law and jeopardise peaceful coexistence in the land of the Resurrection.”
The church leaders criticised official police responses, saying the incidents have been labelled as mere “property damage” and failing to acknowledge the broader context of systematic intimidation. They warned that the ongoing climate of impunity is emboldening further attacks and eroding the moral foundations necessary for justice and peace in the region.
Fr Bashar Fawadleh, the Roman Catholic parish priest of Taybeh, said the community is still reeling from a similar attack earlier this month when settlers lit fires near the church and cemetery.
“We were shocked, but more than 20 young people rushed with me to the site and managed to extinguish the fire, while they just stood by and watched,” he told Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN).
He added that many Christian families have left Taybeh in recent weeks due to growing hostility.
