Jordan and Palestinian authorities have condemned the seizure of land belonging to the Jerusalem Patriarchate in East Jerusalem

Jordan and Palestinian church organizations have strongly condemned the actions of the Israeli authorities in the Siloam neighborhood of East Jerusalem, where, according to their statements, land belonging to the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem was confiscated. The incident has been described as a violation of international law, private property rights, and the historical and legal status of Jerusalem’s holy sites.

According to the Orthodoxia News Agency, Jordan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates strongly condemned the seizure of a plot of land belonging to the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem in the Siloam neighborhood. Amman stated that such actions constitute a “gross violation” of international law and international humanitarian law, as well as the historical and legal status of Jerusalem.

The official spokesperson for the Jordanian Foreign Ministry, Ambassador Fuad al-Majali, emphasized that Jordan rejects any unilateral and illegal measures aimed at altering the historical and legal status of Jerusalem and its holy sites. He also stated that, in Jordan’s view, Israel does not have sovereignty over occupied Jerusalem or the Muslim and Christian holy sites located there.

The Jordanian side called on the international community to fulfill its legal and moral obligations and to exert pressure on Israel to halt the allegedly illegal measures in Jerusalem. The statement also reaffirmed Amman’s position that the establishment of an independent Palestinian state is the only path to a just and comprehensive peace that will ensure security and stability in the region.

The Higher Presidential Committee for Church Affairs in Palestine also condemned the incident. According to the committee, during the operation, a representative of the Patriarchate was removed from the site, his equipment was confiscated, trees were uprooted, and the area was fenced off with barriers and gates. The Palestinian side characterized these actions as a violation of international law, private property rights, and the historical and religious status of churches in the Holy Land.

The committee stated that the incident in Siloam is part of a broader and systematic policy of confiscating Palestinian lands in the occupied territories. The statement notes that such measures affect private property, public lands, Muslim religious waqfs, and church property, and are aimed at altering the geographical and demographic character of Palestinian lands.

The statement places particular emphasis on the fact that the land in question is church land legally registered in the name of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem. The committee believes that this threatens the spiritual, cultural, and historical heritage represented by the churches in Jerusalem and contradicts statements about preserving the Christian presence and respecting religious freedom.

The Palestinian committee also linked this incident to a broader escalation of attacks on Christian and Muslim holy sites. The statement notes that during the same period, settlers set fire to two mosques north of Ramallah, which, according to the committee, indicates a dangerous increase in attacks on places of worship.

In conclusion, the Higher Presidential Committee for Churches Affairs in Palestine appealed to churches around the world, the United Nations, international organizations, and human rights bodies, calling on them to take urgent measures to protect church property, as well as Muslim and Christian holy sites. The Committee emphasized the need to hold the perpetrators accountable in accordance with international law.