Occupied Jerusalem (QNN)- Youssef Daher, Coordinator of the World Council of Churches Liaison Office in occupied Jerusalem, has warned of an unprecedented rise in Israeli attacks targeting Christians and all non-Jewish communities in the occupied Palestinian capital city. He said the violence no longer reflects isolated incidents or misunderstandings, but rather forms part of a systematic policy with a clear exclusionary agenda.
Speaking to Quds News Network, Daher said the recent attack on a French nun in occupied Jerusalem was not carried out by a “mad individual” or an isolated act. He stressed that the attacker held a leadership position as head of an Israeli association, which he said reflects an organized trend aimed at pushing non-Jews out of the city.
He described the incident as an act of terror that goes beyond individual behaviour and represents an organized attempt to intimidate Christians. He added that growing threats now force Christians in occupied Jerusalem, including locals and foreigners, to live in constant caution and fear of sudden attacks. He warned that the situation now endangers all Christians, Muslims, and other non-Jews in Jerusalem.
Daher said Israeli settler groups operate as organized and supported extremist networks that follow a clear approach based on violence and exclusion of non-Jews. He noted that the World Council of Churches and other institutions have documented data showing a sharp increase in settler-related violence.
He reported around 187 attacks in 2025 alone, including assaults on individuals and property. He described the figure as record-high and unprecedented, arguing it shows a shift from isolated incidents to structured policy.
Daher also criticized the limited response from Israeli official religious bodies and governments, saying their actions do not match the scale of the violence. He added that no effective measures have stopped the ongoing abuses against Palestinians under occupation.
In a separate reaction, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot called for strict punishment for the attacker of the French nun in Jerusalem. Writing on the platform X, he expressed sorrow and solidarity with the nun and wished her a swift recovery after what he described as a “shocking attack.”
He added that France “cannot accept these anti-Christian acts under any circumstances,” stressing the country’s historical commitment to protecting Catholic communities and holy sites.
Hundreds of clergy members and nuns from around the world serve in churches and religious institutions across Jerusalem.
In recent years, attacks by Israelis on Christian and Muslim clergy and on religious sites have increased significantly in Jerusalem. Churches have repeatedly called on Israeli authorities to take firm action to stop these incidents.
The attack on the nun comes amid continued Israeli violence in the occupied West Bank, where Israeli military and settler attacks have killed at least 1,155 Palestinians since October 2023, injured around 11,750 others, and led to the abduction of approximately 22,000, according to official figures.
