Greek Orthodox Patriarchate denounces Israeli seizure of church land in Jerusalem
The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem has denounced the “unlawful and illegitimate” Israeli seizure of its property in occupied East Jerusalem.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Patriarchate said that it "expressed grave concern over the Israeli raid and land grab targeting its Church property in Silwan".
During the operation, which took place on Monday, “the Patriarchate’s representative was forcibly removed, his equipment was confiscated, trees were uprooted, and the property was enclosed with fencing and gates”.
It said that the disputed land, which is adjacent to the Monastery of St Onuphrius, is registered under its ownership, and warned that this seizure “sets a dangerous precedent for Church rights in Jerusalem”.
Read more: Greek Orthodox Patriarchate denounces Israeli seizure of church land in Jerusalem
A nun walks past Israeli police on Via Dolorosa in the Old City of Jerusalem (AFP/Menahem Kahana)