Palestine Archives

West Bank priests stress nonviolence as youths protest Israeli occupation

For parish priests in the West Bank, the challenge is to emphasize the Christian tradition of nonviolence while supporting their young parishioners’ desire to oppose the Israeli occupation. Father Aktham Hijazin of the Annunciation Parish in Beit Jala, said, as Catholics “They are not interested to take part in any violent act.”

West Bank priests stress nonviolence as youths protest Israeli occupation

Priests living in the West Bank emphasized that the challenge is to emphasize the Christian tradition of nonviolence while supporting their young parishioners’ desire to oppose the Israeli occupation. The priests agreed that violent confrontation is not acceptable in order to achieve peace in the area.

Clashes erupt at Jerusalem shrine as Muslims return to pray

The Palestinian Red Crescent said 37 Palestinians were wounded, including some by rubber bullets and beatings. The new violence came shortly after worshipers rushed to pray at Jerusalem mosque that was reopened following an 11-day Muslim prayer boycott over the Israeli security measures.

Vatican: Jerusalem needs “internationally guaranteed” special status
- Vatican
- July 26, 2017
A Vatican diplomat has told the UN Security Council the historical status quo of the holy sites in the Holy Land is “a matter of profound sensitivities,” and reminded them that Jerusalem is sacred to Jews, Christians, and Muslims. Israel sparked a crisis by unilaterally installing metal detectors at the Temple Mount, leading to Muslims accusing the Jewish state of trying to expand control at the site under the guise of security.
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Israel begins removing metal detectors from Temple Mount
- Associated Press, Global Church
- July 25, 2017
Israel has begun removing metal detectors it installed in response to an Arab attack that killed two Israeli police guards at the Muslim-administered area of the Temple Mount, leading to protests from Muslims accusing Israel of trying to expand control at the site under the guise of security.
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Pope Francis calls for “moderation and dialogue” in Jerusalem crisis
- Global Church
- July 24, 2017
Pope Francis has called for “moderation and dialogue” during the unrest in the Holy Land after Israel installed metal detectors at the Western Wall/Noble Sanctuary in Jerusalem. Christians and Muslims fear the move violates the “Status Quo” which has governed access to several Jewish, Christian, and Muslim holy sites for centuries.
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