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Ramallah: On 28 July 2025 Attack — Church leaders and human rights advocates have condemned a violent attack by extremist Israeli settlers on the Palestinian town of Taybeh, the last all-Christian community in the West Bank. The pre-dawn assault on 28 July saw multiple vehicles torched and threatening graffiti scrawled on residential walls.
Eyewitnesses reported that settlers infiltrated the town around 2:00 a.m., targeting homes and vehicles with incendiary devices. One victim, journalist Jeries Azar, described fleeing his smoke-filled home with his two-year-old son as flames engulfed his car parked outside.
Graffiti left at the scene included messages such as “Al-Mughayyir, you will regret,” referencing a nearby village previously attacked by settlers. The incident follows a pattern of escalating violence in the region, including recent arson attempts near Taybeh’s historic St. George Church.
Church leaders in Jerusalem issued a joint statement condemning the attack as part of a broader campaign of settler violence targeting Palestinian communities, including sacred sites and civilian property. They called on Israeli authorities to hold perpetrators accountable and ensure protection for vulnerable populations.
Despite the gravity of the incident, no arrests have been reported. Israeli police confirmed an investigation is underway but have yet to identify suspects.
Taybeh, home to approximately 1,300 Christian Palestinians, has long been a symbol of peaceful coexistence and cultural heritage. The town is internationally known for its ancient churches and family-run brewery. Recent attacks have raised concerns about the safety and future of Christian communities in the occupied territories.
International diplomats, including Germany’s ambassador to Israel, Steffen Seibert, condemned the violence, calling the perpetrators “criminals abhorrent to any faith”.
