Taybeh:Jerusalem Patriarchs and Heads of Jerusalem Churches have condemned a recent attack by Israeli settlers on Palestinian olive harvesters and a visiting European diplomatic delegation in the village of Taybeh, located northeast of Ramallah.
According to Palestine news and Information Agency, the church leaders expressed their outrage over the attack, which took place on Saturday, October 17. Masked settlers targeted local residents during the olive harvest and also attacked foreign guests, including diplomats and officials from European countries, who were visiting in solidarity with the affected areas.
The church leaders emphasized that this assault is part of a broader pattern of settler violence that peaks during the olive harvest season, when families traditionally gather to tend to their lands. They raised concerns about a religious ruling by Rabbi Dov Lior, which permits the theft of olives from Palestinian orchards, calling it unfounded and dangerous. They appreciated other rabbis and Jewish voices who have publicly rejected this ruling.
The Patriarchs and Heads of Churches called for those responsible for the attacks to be brought to justice and urged the international community to enhance efforts to protect the people of Taybeh and the West Bank, as well as visitors to these areas. They reaffirmed their support for the Taybeh community and committed to preserving the Christian presence there.