Greek Orthodox Patriarchate denounces Israeli seizure of church land in Jerusalem

Greek Orthodox Patriarchate denounces Israeli seizure of church land in Jerusalem Submitted by Ayse Betul on Thu, 06/18/2026 - 16:22 Patriarchate launches a lawsuit and calls for international intervention to halt 'a broader campaign of land theft' A nun walks past Israeli police on Via Dolorosa in the Old City of Jerusalem (AFP/Menahem Kahana) Off The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem has denounced the “unlawful and illegitimate” Israeli seizure of its property in occupied East Jerusalem. In a statement on Wednesday, the Patriarchate said that it "expressed grave concern over the Israeli raid and land grab targeting its Church property in Silwan". During the operation, which took place on Monday, “the Patriarchate’s representative was forcibly removed, his equipment was confiscated, trees were uprooted, and the property was enclosed with fencing and gates”.