U.S. Franciscans Appeal for Help in Ending Israeli Settler Violence Against Christians

The U.S. Franciscan provinces have called upon Secretary of State Marco Rubio to address the escalating violence against Christians by Israeli settlers in the West Bank. In a statement released on July 9, the 12 provincial ministers noted that they had received a response to their June 16 letter following a recent attack on Palestinian Christians in the village of Taybeh. The State Department acknowledged the concerns, stating it continues to monitor violence against Christians in the region and takes the issue seriously.

Despite this response, the Franciscans felt compelled to amplify their appeal, emphasizing that attacks against Christians have not ceased. Father Lawrence Hayes, provincial minister of the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe, expressed hope that public attention would lead to greater advocacy for peace. The Franciscans warned of the growing threat to the indigenous Christian community in the Holy Land, which has been present for nearly 2,000 years.

In late June, Israeli settlers set fire to homes and vehicles in Taybeh, resulting in the deaths of three people. The Israeli Defense Force apprehended five suspects in connection with the attack. Father Bashar Fawadleh, a parish priest in the West Bank, told Vatican News that settlers have begun constructing an illegal outpost in an area belonging to Taybeh following repeated attacks against Christians.

Israeli settlements in the West Bank are considered a violation of Article 49 of the Fourth Geneva Convention, which prohibits an occupying power from transferring parts of its civilian population into occupied territory. Despite repeated appeals to the international community, Father Fawadleh noted that Christians in the area continue to live in fear as settlers persist in their attacks. He stated, “We are simply asking to remain on our land without fear.”

The Franciscans also lamented the inaction of IDF forces, which they believe are unable or unwilling to curb the expansion and violence by radical settlers. They fear the situation is reaching a breaking point, with serious implications for the Holy Land. The presence of a mediating Christian community has long been a part of the region’s history, and its potential eradication raises profound concerns for the future of the area.

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