20+ Nations Join Church Leaders in Taybeh Visit as West Bank Settler Attacks Surge

Heads of the Christian churches of Jerusalem, including the Latin and Greek patriarchs, alongside diplomats from over 20 countries, visited Taybeh in the occupied West Bank on Monday. The visit underscored growing international concern following a recent surge in violent attacks by radical Israeli settlers on the town, which is the last predominantly Christian village in the region. According to a tweet by Andrew Cusack, the delegation aimed to assess the situation and offer solidarity to the beleaguered community.

The Christian village has endured a series of aggressive acts, including arson attacks on properties and the historic 5th-century Church of Saint George. Settlers have also reportedly brought livestock to graze on olive groves, a primary source of income for residents, and erected signs threatening the community's future. Father Bashar Basiel, a local priest, described the situation as "daily provocations" that have escalated significantly.

Jerusalem's Latin Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa stated during the visit, "It became every day more clear that there is no law. The only law is power." He emphasized the need for Israeli authorities to conduct necessary investigations and hold perpetrators accountable. French Consul General Nicolas Kassianides and European Union representative Alexandre Stutzmann echoed calls for accountability, with Stutzmann noting that settler attacks were "undermining the process for peace."

Local officials expressed profound concern over the escalating violence and its potential to force residents to emigrate. Taybeh's mayor, Daoud Khoury, questioned how the international community could "protect Christians" in concrete terms, fearing the worsening security situation would sever the connection between Palestinians and their land. The community, known for its peaceful existence, now faces the potential disappearance of their ancient Christian presence.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) documented at least 27 settler attacks against Palestinians between July 1-7 alone. These incidents are part of a broader increase in settler violence across the West Bank, which has intensified since October 2023. Church leaders have called for an immediate and transparent investigation into why Israeli police have not responded to emergency calls from the local community.