Less than 48 hours after an arson attack at the Latin Monastery Church in Jenin, Palestinian police announced the arrest of three suspects and the seizure of tools believed to have been used in the incident.
Palestinian officials said the arrests followed a meticulous investigation that included gathering information, conducting searches and inquiries, and reviewing surveillance footage. The Criminal Investigation Department and the Forensic Evidence Department participated in the probe, which led to identifying the suspects. Jenin Governor Kamal Abu al-Rub was present during the arrests.
On Wednesday—two days after the attack—security officials and local community figures relit the Christmas tree at the Latin Church. Residents gathered for the ceremony, with speakers emphasizing that restoring the lights sent a clear message rejecting any attack on religious symbols and affirming the city’s values of coexistence and national unity. Attendees highlighted the strength of the Palestinian social fabric, the importance of maintaining security and stability, and the protection of holy sites. Latin Bishop William Shomali attended the relighting of the tree.
Father Amer Jabran, pastor of the Church of the Redeemer in Jenin, had earlier condemned the arson of the Nativity scene and Christmas tree, which occurred around 3:00 a.m. on Monday, December 22, 2025. He described the incident as a “shameful and reprehensible act” that is “completely alien to authentic Palestinian and Christian culture,” which he said is rooted in love, tolerance, and coexistence.
Read more: https://milhilard.org/palestinian-police-arrest-three-in-jenin-church-attack-community-relights-christmas-tree-in-unity/
By milhilard.org
