Palestinian Foreign Ministry condemns Israel’s seizure of Jerusalem Church land
Palestine demanded that the international community stop the displacement of Christians from Jerusalem.
The Palestinian Foreign Ministry condemned the actions of the Israeli authorities regarding the property of the Jerusalem Patriarchate in the Silwan area. This was reported by Anadolu Ajansı.
Diplomats called the incident a “flagrant violation of the inviolability of church property,” emphasizing that the seized plot is officially registered in the name of the Church and adjoins an ancient monastery of enormous archaeological value.
According to the ministry, Israel is pursuing a “systematic policy” aimed at seizing church property and changing the historical, religious, and demographic character of Jerusalem. The ministry stressed that such measures directly threaten the “authentic Christian presence” in the region.
Palestinian diplomats recalled that under international law, any acts of annexation and confiscation in East Jerusalem are considered invalid and have no legal force. The ministry demanded the immediate return of the land to the Patriarchate and the restoration of the territory’s previous status.
As previously reported, on June 15, 2026, in Jerusalem’s Silwan neighborhood, Israeli security forces forcibly seized a church plot belonging to the Jerusalem Patriarchate. During the raid, police expelled the lawful caretaker, cut down trees, and fenced off the area, blocking the clergy’s access to the property.
