Israel has ramped up its oppressive policies against not only Muslim Palestinians but also Christians across the occupied West Bank, a clergyman said Wednesday.
"My life, like that of other Palestinians, has become a nightmare as a result of Israel's actions after Oct. 7," Father Talat Avad, a priest at the Church of the Virgin Mary in Abud village in the west of Ramallah, told Anadolu Agency (AA).
Avad said the entrance to their village following the Gaza attacks forced them to rely on dirt roads for commutation and transportation.
"We are suffering greatly as a result of the closure of the village entrance and constant searches at checkpoints. We waste a lot of time as a result of Israeli (security forces') treatment. The village's entrance is secured by an iron gate. We can't even approach the gate for fear of being shot at by Israeli security forces at the checkpoints," he explained.
‘I never felt such oppression’
Avad said villagers who used to travel different routes to reach the village now use a dirt road on the western side.
The road, which runs alongside an Israeli wall built to protect a nearby Jewish settlement, poses significant risks and raises tensions among its users, according to him.
Despite the road's unsuitability for vehicle passage, he insisted that long trucks, transport vehicles and buses use it due to potholes, rocks and soil partitions.
He also expressed concern over the potential for Jewish settlers to stone villagers' vehicles on the road.
"Only God knows the best. Today they are throwing stones at vehicles; tomorrow they may use the weapons provided by their ministers," he said.
"I have never felt such oppression in my life," the Palestinian priest said, emphasizing that the Palestinians' suffering is unparalleled.
One of the oldest in the world
They prayed for peace, Avad said, adding that they have no ill will toward anyone and that "even Israel despises what they do."
He said his church, one of the three oldest in the world, has been in continuous worship for 1,700 years.
Their village is home to 2,300 Palestinians, half of whom are Christians, he said, emphasizing that Christians and Muslims can coexist peacefully with anyone who seeks peace, regardless of religion or ethnic origin.
No access for Christians
With Israel's current oppressive tactic, the priest is concerned that Israel will impose restrictions on Christians visiting churches during Easter festivities.
He said crowded Christian groups could be denied entry into Jerusalem due to security concerns.
"If permission is not granted for worship, it would not be acceptable. Roads should be opened for those who want to worship," said the priest, noting that Muslims are also barred from entering Jerusalem to worship at Al-Aqsa Mosque.