Ramallah, 29 June 2024 (TDI): On June 29, 2024, the State of Palestine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates strongly denounced Israel’s unlawful taxation of churches and related institutions in occupied Jerusalem. It declared Israel’s church taxation move to be a flagrant breach of international law.
Additionally, the Ministry declared that since Israel does not have jurisdiction over Jerusalem, it is unlawful for it to impose these taxes under the name of “occupation municipalities”. Furthermore, the Palestinian people are the only rightful sovereigns of this city.
The Ministry issued a warning that these illegal actions stand as a part of a larger plan to eradicate the Palestinian people and their culture. In particular, the occupation forces aim to target the genuine Christian presence of Palestinians to turn the political dispute into a religious one.
The church taxation movement highlights Israel’s systematic persecution of Palestinian Christians and clergy in an effort to sabotage their position.
Pushback by Heads of Church
Prominent church leaders have alleged that Israeli authorities’ tax proceedings are a “coordinated attack” on the Christian presence in the Holy Land.
“We believe these efforts represent a coordinated attack on the Christian presence in the Holy Land,” wrote the heads of the Catholic and Orthodox churches.
“In this time, when the whole world is constantly following the events in Israel, we find ourselves, once again, dealing with an attempt by authorities to drive the Christian presence out of the Holy Land.”
Appreciation for Clergy’s Pushback
While applauding the pushback from the church’s clergy, the Ministry said, “Their steadfastness is a beacon of hope and resistance against these oppressive policies.”
“We express our deep appreciation for the principled and courageous positions taken by the Patriarchs and Heads of Churches who have rejected these illegal measures.”
Call for Global Action
Moreover, the Ministry urged all nations to back Palestine and the churches’ positions against the occupational power. The global community must take action to stop these grave breaches of international law, UNSC resolutions, and established legal norms.
Also Read: Palestine denounces Israeli settlement expansion
Adding on, the State of Palestine further implored all governments and regional and global organizations to help protect Palestinian assets. Human and Christian rights groups must make it abundantly evident to Israel that it must stop destroying churches and their assets.
It is imperative that disciplinary actions be taken against these unlawful and offensive practices.
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