Bishop backs world leaders warning of ‘unprecedented’ violence in West Bank

‘As a Church leader I stand with those who continue to oppose further illegal annexation and the forcible displacement of Palestinians.’

Bishop James Curry, lead bishop for the Holy Land for the bishops’ conference of England and Wales, has spoken in support of a statement issued by world leaders warning that the “situation has dramatically worsened in the West Bank as the world’s gaze falls on other conflicts”.

The joint statement, signed by foreign secretary Yvette Cooper, was issued on 22 May by leaders of the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Norway, the Netherlands, Spain, Belgium and the EU.

Bishop Curry said, “We have long warned against allowing illegal settlements to be built in the E1 area of the West Bank. Clearly the situation is deteriorating and, much as I welcome this joint statement, it is important for all who work for peace and reconciliation to turn words into actions.”

The world leaders said the situation in the West Bank has “deteriorated significantly” over the past few months and that settler violence is now at “unprecedented levels”.

The policies and practices of the Israeli government, including a further entrenchment of Israeli control, are undermining stability and prospects for a two-state solution, the statement said.

It also reiterated that international law is clear that Israeli settlements in the West Bank are illegal, and that the planned construction in the E1 area, an occupied zone of the West Bank on which the Israeli government has illegally approved building, would divide the West Bank in two and mark a serious breach of international law.

The world leaders called on the government of Israel to “end its expansion of settlements and administrative powers, ensure accountability for settler violence and investigate allegations against Israeli forces, respect the Hashemite custodianship over Jerusalem’s Holy Sites and the historic status quo arrangements, and lift financial restrictions on the PA and the Palestinian economy”.

“We strongly oppose those, including members of the Israeli government, who argue for annexation and forcible displacement of the Palestinian population,” they said.

“We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to a comprehensive, just and lasting peace based on a negotiated two-state solution in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions where two democratic states, Israel and Palestine, live side by side in peace and security within secure and recognised borders.”

Bishop Curry continued, “I was in the Holy Land in January with bishops from around the world to stand in solidarity with the Christians and peoples of the lands of Christ.

“On one visit to a Bedouin community in the West Bank, it was deeply disturbing and intimidating, to see settlers watching us from the surrounding hills. A few days later, on a visit to Taybeh, the last solely Christian village in the West Bank, we were told a more graphic story of violence and intimidation.

“I add my voice to Church leaders and all who want the Government of Israel to end its expansion of settlements and for the government to prevent such expansion. As a Church leader I stand with those who continue to oppose further illegal annexation and the forcible displacement of Palestinians.”

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