The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem has formally protested recent 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, according to a statement released April 23.
Representatives from the Patriarchate’s Endowment Department held a field meeting with military authorities and the Civil Administration to address what Church officials described as serious violations affecting both local residents and ecclesiastical property.
The Patriarchate submitted a detailed legal complaint documenting alleged attacks and land damage across several locations. Authorities have since begun initial measures, including pursuing those responsible and confiscating heavy machinery reportedly used in the destruction.
During the meeting, Church officials reiterated their “full rejection” of the encroachments, calling them a clear violation of Church property and rights. They urged the immediate removal of all damage, prevention of further incursions, and the establishment of legal protections for the affected lands.
Officials present acknowledged the gravity of the situation and committed to removing the encroachments and continuing legal proceedings against those involved.
The Patriarchate also expressed solidarity with residents of the area, emphasizing its ongoing mission to support local communities. It pledged to help families remain on their land in conditions of safety and dignity, amid mounting tensions.
Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, who has been fully briefed on the developments, instructed Church institutions to follow the situation closely and provide necessary support to those affected.
In its statement, the Endowment Department stressed that safeguarding Church lands is “a red line,” underscoring the religious, cultural, and legal importance of these properties. It affirmed that all available legal and administrative steps will be taken to preserve their identity and defend their rights.
The Patriarchate’s intervention comes as disputes over land and access continue to affect vulnerable communities in the region, where religious institutions often play a central role in both advocacy and humanitarian support.
Church leaders signaled that their response will remain active, combining legal action with on-the-ground assistance, as they seek accountability and long-term protection for both sacred property and the people who depend on it.
