Athens Alarmed by Reports of West Bank Land Seizures

Greek authorities are deeply concerned about reports of Israeli settlers encroaching on Greek Orthodox Church property in the West Bank, particularly near the historic Monastery of Saint Gerasimos of the Jordan, located north of the Dead Sea near Jericho.

Founded in the 5th century by Saint Gerasimos, the monastery includes structures from the 9th and 12th centuries. These settlers, typically part of a movement to expand Jewish presence in the West Bank (referred to by some as Judea and Samaria), often establish residences or outposts on disputed lands, including those claimed by Palestinians or institutions like the Greek Orthodox Church.

A high-level meeting in Athens addressed the issue, focusing on reports of illegal settlement expansion on land under the Jerusalem Patriarchate’s jurisdiction. The settlers involved are not specifically identified, but the activity is linked to at least five new outposts established near Jericho since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, often signaling further land seizures. While Greece cannot broadly influence Israeli settlement policies, the Greek Foreign Ministry engages diplomatically when church properties are affected, given their religious and historical significance.

Tensions between Greece and Israel over Orthodox Church properties have recurred in recent years. Settlement activity near Jericho has intensified since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack and the ensuing Gaza conflict.

Sinai Monastery’s Status Secured

In a separate development, Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis met with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the Greece-Egypt agreement on partial delimitation of their exclusive economic zones (EEZ). Both reaffirmed their commitment to international maritime law and regional cooperation.

Abdelatty addressed concerns about the Monastery of Saint Catherine in Sinai, dismissing rumors of threats as “unfounded malicious speculation.” He confirmed that a new agreement with the monastery is nearing completion and emphasized Egypt’s respect for all religious sites. “We are proud this heritage is on Egyptian soil,” he stated. Gerapetritis received assurances that the monastery’s Greek Orthodox identity and worship traditions will remain intact.

The ministers also discussed the Gaza conflict, Red Sea security, and the economic impact of Houthi attacks on Suez Canal revenues.