Brussels: A delegation from the Higher Presidential Committee for Church Affairs in Palestine warned European Union officials that the continuation of current Israeli policies in Gaza, Jerusalem, and the West Bank poses a grave threat to the survival of the historic Palestinian Christian presence in the Holy Land.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, the high-level meeting was organized in cooperation with the Mission of the State of Palestine to the European Union, Belgium, and Luxembourg, and supported by the Permanent Representation of the Republic of Poland to the European Union. It included representatives from the Mashreq/Maghreb Working Party (MaMa) of the Council of the European Union, EU member state representatives, and officials from the European External Action Service (EEAS).
The delegation included Dr. Amal Jadou Shakaa, Ambassador of the State of Palestine to Belgium, the European Union, and Luxembourg, along with Rev. Prof. Dr. Mitri Raheb, Rev. Dr. Fadi Diab, First Secretary Alaa Jadallah, and First Secretary Ibrahim Al-Tari from the Higher Presidential Committee for Church Affairs. They provided an extensive briefing on the escalating challenges confronting Palestinian Christians and the increasing threats to their historic and indigenous presence in the Holy Land.
During the meeting, Rev. Prof. Dr. Mitri Raheb emphasized the sharp decline in the Palestinian Christian population since the Nakba of 1948, noting that Christians comprised nearly 8% of the Palestinian population before 1948 and now account for less than 1%. He warned that ongoing Israeli policies, including the war on Gaza and attacks in Jerusalem, could lead to the disappearance of the Palestinian Christian presence within decades.
Dr. Raheb highlighted the targeting of churches and Christian institutions in Gaza, including the destruction of Dar Al-Kalima University, and increasing assaults against clergy and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem. He stressed that inflammatory rhetoric by extremist figures within the Israeli government has created a dangerous climate that encourages attacks against Palestinian Christians.
He asserted that the issue extends beyond Palestinian Christians and concerns the future of religious and cultural pluralism in Palestine and the wider region. He called on the European Union to adopt clearer positions in defense of international law, human rights, and accountability for ongoing violations.
Rev. Dr. Fadi Diab addressed the harsh realities facing Palestinian Christians in the occupied West Bank, particularly amid escalating settler violence and movement restrictions. He shared personal testimonies of attacks against him and his family by Israeli settlers, stressing that such incidents are part of systematic policies aimed at intimidating Palestinians, especially Palestinian Christians.
He underscored that safeguarding the Palestinian Christian presence is linked to ending the occupation and achieving a just peace based on international law. Despite challenges, he affirmed that Palestinian Christians remain steadfast in defending justice, dignity, and freedom.
The meeting further addressed the dangers posed by extremist religious discourse and emphasized preserving the historic and legal status quo at Christian and Muslim holy sites. The delegation expressed appreciation to the Republic of Poland for its support and thanked EU member states and EEAS officials for their engagement.
The delegation concluded by stressing the importance of continued dialogue and coordination with European institutions and member states to support international efforts aimed at ending the occupation, achieving justice and freedom for the Palestinian people, and protecting their holy sites and historic presence.