The Ministry of Foreign and Expatriate Affairs affirmed in a statement that Israel has no sovereignty over that part of the city and its actions are invalid.

The Foreign Ministry considered such a measure illegal, as it is part of the campaign of genocide and ethnic cleansing against the Palestinian people, which also includes combating the Christian presence in the area.

The statement highlighted the rejection of that initiative by the patriarchs and leaders of several Christian churches in the Holy Land.

The Churches for Peace in the Middle East initiative also criticized Israel’s actions.

We are aware of the damage that these legal measures might cause to the dwindling Christian presence in the area,” the organization stressed in a press release.

This week, Israeli authorities informed the churches in Jerusalem, Jaffa, and Nazareth that they would be taking legal action against them for allegedly failing to pay property taxes.

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