Catholic Patriarchate of Jerusalem Raises Concerns Over Israeli Settler Encroachments on Church-owned Land in the West Bank

Vatican News released that the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem has raised concerns over recent Israeli settler encroachments on Church-owned land in the Tayasir and Hamam Il-Maleh areas of the Tubas Governorate, in the northern Jordan Valley of the occupied West Bank.

More than 1,150 have been killed in the West Bank, of Palestine, including East Jerusalem, by Israeli forces or settlers since October 7, 2023. According to the UN Human Rights Office, at least one in five of those killed was a child. As of April 2026, over 72,000 Palestinians have been reported killed in Gaza since October 7, 2023, according to UN reports, with injuries exceeding 172,000. Other independent estimates suggest the actual death toll, including those missing under rubble, may exceed 100,000.

On Wednesday, 23 April, representatives from the Patriarchate’s Endowment Department held a field meeting with Israeli military authorities and officials from the Civil Administration, the body responsible for governing civilian matters in the West Bank, to address reported damage to the land and its impact on local residents.

Press Release

The Endowment Department of the Latin Patriarchate Held a Field Meeting with the Military Authorities and Civil Administration Regarding Settler Encroachments on Tayasir/Hamam Il-Maleh Lands – Tubas Governorate

The Endowment Department of the Latin Patriarchate held a field meeting today, Wednesday, 23/4/2026, in the areas of Tayasir and Hamam Il-Maleh, with representatives of the Military Authorities and Civil Administration to discuss the serious effects of the recent settler encroachments on lands owned by the Latin Patriarchate in the Tayasir area of Tubas Governorate.

As part of the legal follow-up, the Department submitted an official and documented complaint to the relevant authorities, including details of the attacks against local residents and Patriarchate lands in several locations. Following this complaint, the authorities began the necessary actions, including pursuing those responsible and seizing heavy machinery used for land destruction and damage at the site. During the meeting, the Patriarchate through the Endowment Department expressed its full rejection of these actions, describing them as a clear violation of Church properties. It called for the immediate removal of all damage caused, prevention of any future intrusions into these areas, and the provision of legal protection for the Patriarchate’s lands.

Representatives of the relevant authorities acknowledged the seriousness of the matter and committed to the immediate removal of the encroachments, and continuing legal action against those involved.

The Patriarchate also confirmed its support for the people and residents of the area, and its continued commitment to helping them remain steadfast, protect their dignity, and live in safety and stability, in line with the Church’s humanitarian mission in service of people and land. His Beatitude Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa was fully informed of the developments and gave instructions to follow the matter seriously and to provide all possible support to the local people during these difficult circumstances.

The Endowment Department of the Latin Patriarchate confirms that protecting Church endowment properties is a red line. It will continue to take all legal and administrative steps needed to protect their sanctity, preserve their Church identity, defend their lawful rights, and continue supporting the local people.