The Current Crisis in the West Bank: A Call for Peace and Justice
The pastor of Bethlehem’s Lutheran Church recently spoke to Vatican News about the dire situation in the West Bank, describing it as one of its “darkest moments”. As he looks at the devastation in Gaza, he wonders if the same fate awaits his community.
By Joseph Tulloch
Three Palestinian Christian activists, including human rights lawyer Sahar Francis, social and political campaigner Rifat Kassis, and the Rev. Munther Isaac, visited the Vatican to discuss the deteriorating conditions in the West Bank, President Trump’s proposed mass displacement of Gazans, and Pope Francis’ calls for peace in the region.
A Grim Reality in the West Bank
Pastor Isaac, overseeing Lutheran parishes in Bethlehem and Beit Sahour, paints a grim picture of life in the West Bank. Israeli settlements and roadblocks have made the area nearly uninhabitable, creating a network of open-air prisons. Economic devastation has hit hard, with the decline in religious tourism leaving many families struggling to survive.
Isaac reveals that around 100 Christian families have already fled Bethlehem, compounding the challenges faced by a small community. The looming threat of forced displacements adds to the uncertainty, with fears that the same fate as Gaza awaits them.
The Plight of Palestinian Prisoners
Recent prisoner swaps between Israel and Hamas have shed light on the harsh conditions faced by Palestinian detainees. Sahar Francis, from the Addameer Prisoner Support and Human Rights Association, highlights the abuse and neglect suffered by prisoners, including widespread scabies outbreaks that have claimed lives.
Francis condemns the Israeli justice system, labeling it as a tool for oppressing Palestinians rather than delivering justice. The revolving door of mass arrests and re-arrests only adds to the injustice faced by Palestinian prisoners.
An Urgent Call for Action
The activists are advocating for adherence to international law and justice, emphasizing the need to hold accountable those responsible for human rights abuses. Rifat Kassis, Secretary of Kairos Palestine, stresses the urgency of addressing the worsening situation in Gaza and the West Bank.
As they work on a new declaration to address the current crisis, they express concern over President Trump’s proposed displacement of Gazans. The potential consequences of such a move could lead to further chaos and conflict in the region.
Pope Francis and the Palestinian Cause
Despite a planned meeting being postponed due to the Pope’s health issues, the activists express their admiration for Pope Francis and his efforts towards peace. The Pope’s gestures of solidarity, including nightly calls to Gaza’s Catholic parish and a visit to the West Bank, have endeared him to the Palestinian people.
In a moment that resonated deeply, the Pope’s prayer near the separation wall left a lasting impact on Palestinians, humanizing their struggle in the eyes of the world.
The call for peace and justice in the West Bank is not just a regional issue but a global imperative. As the world watches, the fate of the Palestinian people hangs in the balance, calling for solidarity and action to bring about lasting change.
