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3 Palestinians accused of torching a Christmas tree at a Catholic church in West Bank
Nypost.com and 2 more
- Three Palestinians were arrested in Jenin on suspicion of setting fire to a Christmas tree and damaging a Nativity scene at Holy Redeemer Church, underscoring persistent West Bank religious tensions.
- Authorities say arrests followed review of surveillance footage, with tools seized from suspects believed used in the attack, highlighting the role of security footage in investigations.
- Holy Redeemer Church quickly replaced the burned tree and hosted Christmas Mass a day later, signaling communal resilience despite the act of arson.
- Church officials stated the act was an isolated incident and stressed unity between Muslims and Christians amid rising regional tensions.
- Jenin, a northern West Bank city, has a history of sectarian tensions impacting its Christian community, reflecting broader regional fragility.
- Palestinian Authority Police publicized the arrests and described the incident as isolated, seeking to project calm in Jenin.
- The West Bank has seen heightened violence and displacement amid broader Israel-Hamas conflict, compounding security concerns for minority communities.
- The church’s Nativity scene sustained damage, prompting repairs ahead of Christmas Mass and illustrating ongoing restoration efforts.
- Local Muslim and Christian leaders, along with politicians, attended a follow-up ceremony, signaling interfaith solidarity in Jenin.
- The article notes ongoing regional religious and ethnic tensions in the West Bank, contributing to scrutiny of Christian communities amid conflict.
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