DaysofPal- Michael Lynk, the former United Nations Special Rapporteur on human rights in the Palestinian territories, has accused the Israeli government of seeking to “erase Palestinians, including Christians,” warning of an escalation in attacks against Palestinian Christian communities.
In remarks to Anadolu Agency, Lynk said that the targeting of Christians in Palestine is primarily linked to their identity as Palestinians, rather than their religious affiliation. He also noted that an investigation into an alleged assault on a nun in Jerusalem only began following international pressure.
Lynk pointed to what he said was a growing pattern of attacks in recent years by Israeli settlers and military forces against Palestinian Christian communities, including places of worship and villages.
He added that such incidents have been widely documented in human rights reports.
He further highlighted an unprecedented development in Jerusalem this year, where, for the first time in centuries, a Christian religious ritual was reportedly prevented from taking place.
According to the report, Israeli occupation forces closed both the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Al-Aqsa Mosque for 40 days starting February 28, citing measures to prevent gatherings amid military tensions with Iran.
The sites were later reopened on April 8 following the announcement of a two-week truce.
During the closure, Palestinian Christians in occupied Jerusalem were prevented from holding Palm Sunday prayers at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, an incident described as unprecedented in centuries, and one that drew widespread criticism and condemnation.
Lynk argued that these developments are part of broader efforts by the Israeli occupation to consolidate its control over Palestinian territories, amid a lack of international accountability.
He added that the current trajectory dates back to the displacement of approximately 750,000 Palestinians from their homes and lands during the Nakba.
Despite joining the United Nations in 1949, he said, Israeli occupation has not implemented resolutions related to the right of return for Palestinian refugees.
Shortlink for this post: https://daysofpalestine.ps/?p=74511
