The Jerusalem Patriarchate has condemned what it describes as the unlawful seizure of church-owned land in the Silwan neighborhood of East Jerusalem, alleging that Israeli authorities took control of the property during an operation conducted on June 15.

In a statement released this week, the Patriarchate said Israeli forces entered a plot of land registered under the ownership of the Jerusalem Church, removed a church representative from the site, confiscated equipment, uprooted several trees, and enclosed the area with fencing and gates.

Church officials stressed that the land holds not only financial value but also significant historical, archaeological, and religious importance. The property is located near the ancient Monastery of Saint Onuphrius and is considered part of the Christian heritage of the area.

The Patriarchate characterized the incident as an illegal appropriation of church property and warned that such actions could set a troubling precedent for Christian communities throughout Jerusalem.

According to church representatives, authorities justified the operation by citing a municipal order issued in April 2019 for landscaping and development work on the site. However, the Patriarchate argues that the permit expired in April 2024 and therefore could not provide legal grounds for removing the site's caretaker, restricting access, or installing new barriers.

Silwan, a predominantly Palestinian neighborhood located just south of Jerusalem’s Old City, has long been one of the city’s most contested areas. Israeli authorities and organizations associated with the settlement movement have promoted projects linked to the nearby City of David archaeological and tourism complex, as well as the expansion of a national park in the area.

International human rights organizations have argued that these projects have been accompanied by house demolitions and the displacement of local residents. Human Rights Watch has reported that more than 2,000 people in Silwan face the risk of forced relocation. The neighborhoods of Al-Bustan and Batan al-Hawa have been identified as particularly vulnerable, with many homes receiving demolition orders.

The status of East Jerusalem remains a central issue in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Israel extended its jurisdiction over the eastern part of the city following the 1967 war and later declared Jerusalem its unified capital. Most countries and international organizations, however, regard East Jerusalem as occupied territory and do not recognize Israel’s annexation of the area.

The Patriarchate linked the latest incident to what it described as a broader pattern of increasing pressure on Christian communities in the Holy Land. Church officials stated that 111 attacks and violent incidents targeting Christian clergy, monks, nuns, and worshippers were recorded in 2024. Of those, 35 allegedly targeted churches, monasteries, and other religious sites.

The Jerusalem Patriarchate said it intends to pursue legal and administrative measures to defend its property rights and preserve the historic Christian presence in the city, which it referred to as the Holy City for the world’s Christian faithful.