Palestinian Foreign Minister Meets Church Delegation to Discuss Israeli Attacks on Christians

Palestinian Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian Shahin met with a delegation from Churches for Middle East Peace on Saturday to discuss the impact of Israeli actions on Christians in Palestine. The meeting, according to the Palestinian Foreign Ministry, took place without specifying the location. The delegation, led by the organization’s executive director, Mae Elise Cannon, expressed solidarity with the Palestinian people and voiced concerns about the challenges faced by Christians in the Holy Land.

Shahin highlighted the deteriorating humanitarian conditions in the Gaza Strip, citing the insufficient entry of humanitarian aid, the continued closure of crossings, disruptions to children’s education, and the spread of disease. She also addressed developments in the occupied West Bank, including the escalating violence by Israeli occupiers under the protection of the Israeli army. The minister emphasized the challenges facing Christians in Palestine and the significant decline in their numbers due to the difficult conditions confronting Palestinians.

The delegation affirmed its commitment to defending Christians and the rights of the Palestinian people, conveying their voices to the world and strengthening efforts to achieve security and peace in the region. They expressed concern about the declining numbers of Christians in Palestine and the broader Holy Land, noting the increasing number of Christian families who have been forced to leave since 2023 due to escalating Israeli attacks.

The Palestinian Higher Presidential Committee for Church Affairs had previously warned that Israeli attacks on Christian communities threaten their deep-rooted presence in the land. The committee described the situation as “painful,” stating that attacks against Palestinian Christians are no longer isolated incidents but part of a continuing pattern involving occupier violence, land confiscation, settlement expansion, and restrictions on freedom of worship.

The committee noted that an increasing number of Christian families have been forced to leave Palestine since 2023, though it provided no specific figures. This trend reflects a broader concern for the safety and future of Christian communities in the region. The meeting between Shahin and the delegation underscores the growing international attention to the plight of Christians in Palestine and the need for greater advocacy and protection.

The situation in Palestine calls for a commitment to justice, mercy, and peace, as seen in the biblical call to “seek peace and pursue it” (Psalm 122:6). The challenges faced by Christians in the Holy Land highlight the importance of protecting religious freedom and ensuring the safety of all communities. As the international community continues to engage with these issues, the hope remains that efforts will lead to a more just and peaceful future for all.

Source: Read the original report