Overview

• Greek Orthodox Patriarch Theophilos III and Latin Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa visited Taybeh on July 14 after settlers set fires near its fifth-century St. George church and cemetery.
• They demanded transparent investigations into the attacks and urged Israeli authorities to hold settlers accountable.
• Church leaders highlighted other recent aggressions, including cattle grazing on Palestinian fields, home arson and intimidation signs reading “there is no future for you here.”
• Rights groups such as B’Tselem report that settler violence has surged in the West Bank since late 2023’s Gaza war, prompting fears of lawlessness among Palestinians.
• The clerics also joined mourners at the funeral in Al-Mazraa a-Sharqiya for two Palestinians killed by settlers, underscoring escalating tensions in the occupied territory.