RAMALLAH: President Mahmoud Abbas has sent important letters to Pope Leo XIV, King Abdullah II of Jordan, and several world leaders, warning them about the serious situation in occupied East Jerusalem and Israeli violations, particularly measures taken by the Israeli Municipality of Jerusalem against churches and Christian institutions.
The letters were addressed to King Abdullah II of Jordan, French President Emmanuel Macron, Pope Leo XIV, the prime ministers of Greece, Spain, Belgium, Italy and the United Kingdom, the President of Russia, and the United Nations Secretary-General.
Also Read: US Forced to Seek Pakistan’s Help for Safe Exit After Failed Iran Policy
President Abbas described the Israeli attempt to impose the “Arnona” property tax on churches as an unprecedented violation of the historic and legal status quo of the holy sites. He stressed that Jerusalem enjoys a special legal status under international law and reaffirmed that East Jerusalem is an integral part of the Palestinian territory occupied since 1967.
He called on churches not to accept these unilateral measures and urged the international community to uphold UN Security Council resolutions and protect the legal status of occupied Jerusalem as the capital of the State of Palestine. President Abbas also expressed appreciation for Jordan’s Hashemite Custodianship over the holy sites and the Holy See’s recognition of Palestine.
About The Author
