Israeli settlers escalate their incursions into Taybeh, the West Bank’s last fully Christian town, raising concerns over further land appropriation. The parish priest, Father Bashar Fawadleh, appeals for international intervention, as residents face mounting restrictions and call for peace, justice, and protection.
Amid the continuing Israeli attacks in Lebanon, radical Jewish settlers have increased violent attacks on Palestinian civilians and villages in the West Bank.
Sweeping decisions by the Israeli cabinet to expand settlements are placing further strain on the already fragile equilibrium of the territory, where coordinated raids by settlers have not spared the only entirely Christian community in the area, located east of Jerusalem and north of Ramallah.
The town of Taybeh, widely known as the last fully Christian Palestinian town in the West Bank, has faced repeated attacks on homes and property, with a sharp rise of incursions since June 2025. Over the past two days, a new escalation has seen settlers enter and take control of a cement factory and quarry on the western outskirts of the town.
Since the morning of March 19, Israeli settlers have reportedly entered the site, where they have conducted Talmudic rituals and prayers. Their presence has continued for a second consecutive day, effectively asserting control over the area. Witnesses also report that an Israeli flag was raised atop one of the plant’s storage tanks.
Speaking to Vatican Radio, Taybeh’s Latin parish priest, Father Bashar Fawadleh, described a marked shift in the pattern of attacks.
He explained that earlier incidents had been concentrated in the eastern part of Taybeh, but that the latest developments signal a new phase, with settlers targeting key public and economic infrastructure in the western area.
Vatican News