A few days before Christmas, Israeli authorities announced the creation of 19 new colonies in the West Bank. A measure introduced by the Israeli government to prevent “the establishment of a Palestinian terrorist state”.
In a context of growing colonisation following the October 7 Hamas attacks near the Gaza Strip, 69 colonies have been established in the last three years in the West Bank.
It is in this climate of tension that Palestinian Christians are getting ready to celebrate Christmas.
In Taybeh, the only entirely Christian village in the West Bank, settler attacks are common.
Over the past few weeks, five cars have been set on fire, according to Father Bashar Fawadleh, Latin priest of the village.
Last June, a massive fire ravaged farmland, blackening the perimeter walls of the ruins of an ancient Melkite Greek church not far from residential blocks.
Locals spoke out against a sort of impunity for the author of these acts and pointed out the delay in the Israeli army’s response, which is responsible for security.
A tried and tested method
With each new settlement establishment, West bankers face the same situation all over again: burnt lands, the arrival of herds of cows or sheep, the first caravans and bungalows, a clearly visible Israeli flag and then the first constructions.
Here’s how, over the space of a few months, new settlements were built, often atop the hills, before spreading into Palestinian territory.
In Taybeh, Christian leaders decided not to respond with violence to acts of intimidation.
“We will resist peacefully”, said Jack Nobel, priest of Taybeh’s Melkite Greek church parish.
So far, none of the villagers have been killed or injured. In the mainly Muslim neighbouring villages, violent actions have caused casualties.
Everybody fears that something tragic might happen in Taybeh as well.
The village’s Catholic and Orthodox officials strive to teach not to use violence in their schools.
Christmas stronger than fear
Despite this backdrop, the joyful expectation of Christmas prevails. During last Sunday’s Mass, the priest of the Latin parish of Taybeh received a small French delegation.
Read more: https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2025-12/christmas-west-bank-gaza-palestine.html
By Jean-Charles Putzolu | vaticannews
