Patriarchs and heads of Churches in Jerusalem have condemned an attack on the Palestinian Christian village of Taybeh in the occupied West Bank and called for stronger protection of local residents and visitors.
Olive harvesters and visiting officials targeted
In a statement reported by Vatican News on October 21, Church leaders said masked settlers attacked residents gathering olives and European diplomats and officials visiting Taybeh on a solidarity mission on Saturday, October 17.
The religious leaders placed the incident in the context of violence affecting Palestinian communities during the olive harvest, a season essential to livelihoods and longstanding family ties to the land.
An appeal for accountability and peace
The statement welcomed condemnations from Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Jewish religious voices, and acknowledged Israeli police action and arrests following the incident. Church leaders nevertheless urged the authorities to ensure lasting accountability and prevent further attacks.
They called on the international community to work for the safety of Taybeh’s residents and the wider West Bank population. Their message also reaffirmed support for the churches of Taybeh and the continued Christian presence in the Holy Land.
For Christians around the world, Taybeh’s experience is a reminder that prayer for peace must remain attentive to the security and dignity of communities living amid conflict.
Sources
Vatican News, October 21, 2026: Church leaders in Jerusalem condemn recent attacks in Taybeh. The statement was also published by the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, according to Vatican News.
