A Christian village in the occupied West Bank is under siege as Israeli settlers launch alarming attacks, prompting urgent calls for global action from church leaders and diplomats. The predominantly Christian town of Tbeay has become the epicenter of violence, with settlers setting fires near a historic fifth-century church and assaulting local residents. This escalation marks a disturbing trend of systemic aggression against the dwindling Christian community in the region.
Last week, settlers not only torched sacred sites but also invaded local farmland, grazing their livestock on lands cultivated by Palestinian families for generations. This blatant disregard for both cultural heritage and community livelihood has left the Christians of Tbeay feeling increasingly vulnerable. As the last remaining all-Christian village in the occupied West Bank, Tbeay represents a fragile bastion of faith that is now facing existential threats.
In a show of solidarity, representatives from over 20 countries, including the European Union, have descended upon Tbeay, urging immediate accountability for the settlers’ actions. Church leaders have decried these attacks as part of a broader, targeted campaign against Palestinians, particularly Christians, who are already a small minority in the occupied territories. With only about 50,000 Christians remaining in the West Bank, the urgency of their plight is palpable.
The clergy’s call for intervention highlights a growing concern over impunity, as settlers operate with a sense of protection from the state. As tensions rise, the international community is being urged to take decisive action to safeguard not only the Christian heritage of Tbeay but the fundamental rights of all Palestinians. The time for action is now, as the world watches a community fight for its survival amid escalating violence and oppression.