Threatened harvest and daily harassment disrupt West Bank’s last Christian village

The Kaabnah family in Taybeh village has faced persistent harassment from Israeli settlers over the past three months, with incidents escalating in frequency and intensity. Settlers have been bringing their sheep to the family’s compound twice daily, often breaching fences and clashing with volunteers who protect the family. On Aug. 16, masked settlers threw rocks at the family’s homes and members, prompting the family to report the incident to Israeli police. Despite multiple reports, the police have not consistently intervened, according to Nayef Kaabnah, 55, who described the ongoing threats as part of a broader pattern of attacks by extremist settlers from illegal outposts.

Kaabnah attributed the rise in attacks to the aftermath of the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack on southern Israel and the subsequent Gaza war. He said the harassment has intensified in the past three months, with settlers increasingly targeting the village, which remains the last entirely Christian community in the West Bank. The situation has created a climate of fear and uncertainty for the village’s residents, who rely on the land for their livelihood and face daily disruptions to their lives.

In response to the escalating tensions, the Israeli military declared Taybeh a closed zone for non-residents, including Israelis and foreign nationals, effective until July 2027. The order was issued to protect residents and address the ongoing attacks by illegal settlers. Initially, journalists were included in the ban, but an exception was later made following complaints. On Aug. 16, police arrived after the settlers had left, briefly detaining two OSV News journalists. Activists have accused the police of enabling the harassment by informing settlers of the journalists’ presence and allowing them to leave the area before police arrived.

Taybeh, a traditionally quiet village near Ramallah, has become a focal point of concern for its Christian community. The village is historically significant, as it is where Jesus is believed to have sought refuge. However, the current situation has brought increased scrutiny and challenges, with roadblocks and checkpoints creating additional barriers for residents. On Aug. 16, the eastern exit of the village was blocked for nearly two hours, causing significant delays for those attempting to leave.

The lack of consistent police response and the military’s designation of the area as a closed zone have raised concerns about the safety and security of Taybeh’s residents. While the Israeli military and police have not responded to OSV News’ requests for comment, the community continues to face daily threats and disruptions. The situation underscores the vulnerability of the last Christian village in the West Bank, highlighting the need for protection and justice for its people.

The ongoing tensions in Taybeh reflect broader challenges faced by Christian communities in the Holy Land, where religious freedom and security are increasingly at risk. As the village grapples with these threats, the call for peace, justice, and protection for all residents remains urgent. The story of Taybeh serves as a reminder of the importance of standing in solidarity with those who face persecution and the need for accountability in the pursuit of peace.

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