by Daoud Kuttab

TAYBEH, West Bank – July 9, 2025 — Christian clergy from the historic Palestinian town of Taybeh have issued a strong condemnation of what they describe as “ongoing and grave attacks” by Israeli settlers targeting land, sacred sites, and private property in the town.

In a joint statement dated July 8, 2025, the town’s three parish priests—Fr. Daoud Khoury (Greek Orthodox Church), Fr. Jack Nober Alhed (Melkite Greek Catholic Church), and Fr. Bashar Fawadleh (Latin Church)—outlined a disturbing pattern of settler violence that they say threatens the security, stability, and sacred identity of Taybeh.

The statement comes on the heels of an incident on July 7, when settlers reportedly set fire to land near the cemetery and the historic Church of Saint George (Al-Khadr), a 5th-century Christian site. Thanks to the swift response of local residents and firefighters, the flames were contained before they could cause greater damage.

The priests cited the July 7 arson as part of a broader and systematic campaign of settler harassment. According to the statement, settlers have been grazing cattle on privately owned lands near family homes and farms, causing damage to olive trees and blocking access to agricultural areas. “These actions are being carried out with impunity,” the priests wrote, accusing Israeli authorities of failing to intervene.

The statement also highlighted that more than half of Taybeh’s land has been overtaken by illegal settlement outposts. The clergy warned that the aim of the attacks is to gradually displace the Christian population and erase the character of the last fully Christian town in the West Bank.

Known biblically as “Ephraim” (John 11:54), Taybeh is steeped in religious and cultural significance, with roots tracing back to the time of Christ. It is home to ancient churches, traditional Christian families, and a deep spiritual heritage.

In their statement, the priests called for urgent action, including:

• Transparent investigations into settler violence, arson, and land seizures.
• Diplomatic pressure on authorities to prevent further settler incursions.
• Visits by international and church delegations to witness the situation on the ground.
• Legal, agricultural, and economic support to help the community endure.

“The Holy Land cannot remain alive without its indigenous people,” the statement concludes. “We stand firm in our faith and in the hope that truth and justice will ultimately prevail.”

The clergy’s appeal comes amid a sharp rise in settler violence across the occupied West Bank, which has drawn growing concern from human rights organizations and religious leaders worldwide.