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Greek Orthodox Patriarchate Sues Israel Over Silwan Land Seizure

6/19/2026

Summary

Patriarchate Sues Israel

Greek Orthodox Patriarchate sued Israel's municipal authorities on June 15, 2026 to recover church land.
The property is an 11-dunam (?2.7-acre) parcel No. 6 in block 29985, Silwan.
Israeli officials expelled caretaker Khaled al-Zeer, seized equipment, uprooted trees, and took livestock and vehicles.
Authorities fenced the site, which Patriarchate called an illegal incursion aimed at weakening Christians in al-Quds.
Human Rights Watch called the seizure a war crime and urged governments to act urgently.

Summary

Palestinian Committee Condemns

The Palestinian Higher Presidential Committee for Church Affairs condemned Israel’s seizure of Greek Orthodox Patriarchate land in Silwan as violating international law.
Members said the seizure reflects a wider Israeli policy of appropriating endowments in East Jerusalem.
They warned that targeting the Patriarchate’s property threatens Jerusalem Christians’ worship freedom and harms cultural heritage.
The committee appealed to the international community to pressure Israel to halt further church confiscations.

Summary

Patriarchate Reports Attacks

Patriarchate reported 111 attacks on Christians in 2024, including 35 on churches.
It cited the October 19 2023 Gaza strike on Saint Porphyrius Church that killed 18 civilians.
It referenced the July 17 2025 Gaza strike on Holy Family Church, killing three and wounding Father Romanelli.
Parcel 6 (Block 29985) in Silwan borders the Monastery of St Onuphrius and holds archaeological value.
The Patriarchate said the April 2019 municipal gardening order expired in April 2024, leaving no legal basis.

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Patriarchate Sues Israel

Greek Orthodox Patriarchate sued Israel's municipal authorities on June 15, 2026 to recover church land.
The property is an 11-dunam (?2.7-acre) parcel No. 6 in block 29985, Silwan.
Israeli officials expelled caretaker Khaled al-Zeer, seized equipment, uprooted trees, and took livestock and vehicles.
Authorities fenced the site, which Patriarchate called an illegal incursion aimed at weakening Christians in al-Quds.
Human Rights Watch called the seizure a war crime and urged governments to act urgently.

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