Residents of West Bank’s Last Christian Village Face Olive Harvest Restrictions and Fear of Settler Attacks

Residents of the West Bank’s last entirely Christian village, Taybeh, are facing increasing challenges as the olive harvest season begins. Palestinian Christian activist Ihab Hassan, who has close ties to the community, reports that most of the land is now out of reach for villagers. At the same time, Israeli settlers continue to move freely through the area, raising concerns about security and displacement.

In August, the Israeli government declared Taybeh a “closed military zone” following months of settler attacks. The move was justified as a protective measure for residents, but Hassan notes that the restrictions primarily affect Palestinians. Settlers, he says, remain unrestricted in their movements, further complicating the situation for local residents.

The designation of Taybeh as a closed military zone has also limited access for pilgrims, journalists, and other outsiders. This restriction deprives the village of a vital connection to the international community, cutting off essential economic and informational support. Bishop James Curry of the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales expressed alarm over the decision, highlighting the loss of tourism and pilgrimages as well as the reduced international attention on the village’s plight.

Settler attacks continue to impact daily life in Taybeh. Palestinian Christian Bashir Kuna recently had to flee his newly-built home just a week after moving in. Similarly, attacks on a quarry operated by Roland Basir have rendered it inoperable. These incidents have left many villagers living in fear, with around 200 of the 1,200 remaining residents considering emigration.

The violence is not confined to Taybeh. In Birzeit, the Christian Abed family’s home was demolished, and their land was razed. Such attacks underscore the broader challenges faced by Christian communities in the region, as they struggle to maintain their presence and security amid ongoing tensions.

The situation in Taybeh reflects a pattern of displacement and marginalization affecting religious minorities in the Holy Land. As the village’s Christian population dwindles, the community’s ability to sustain itself and preserve its heritage is increasingly at risk. The international community’s response remains critical in addressing these challenges and supporting the rights of all residents, regardless of faith.

Source: Read the original report