The Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem has condemned the attack on St Andrew’s Anglican Church compound that took place in the early hours of the morning on 18 August 2022. 

At 3am yesterday morning Israeli forces made an unannounced raid on the premises of St Andrew’s Anglican Church in Ramallah.

“Making a forced entry, the Israeli soldiers wrecked the church’s entrance by smashing through the door’s lock and security glass.”said the official statement from the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem.

For two hours between 3am-5am, soldiers occupied the entire complex, which includes the church sancturary, parish hall, church offices, rectory and the Arab Episcopal Medical Centre.

“The community living inside the church compound felt unsafe during the asault: the sound of gunshots, stun grenades, and smashing of doors caused terror amongst the families living inside the compound.” reported the diocese.

The Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem led by Archbishop Hosam Naoum has unequivocally condemned the attack as a violation of international law and an act of terror against the community.

“Places of worship and church compounds should be sanctuaries for communities to feel safe to practice their faith and ministry.” said the diocesan statement on the attack. 

The Episcopal Diocese reaffirmed its support for the Rector of St Andrew’s Ramallah, Rev Fadi Diab and the St Andrew’s community in the wake of the incident.

The Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem has called for the Israeli authorities to conduct a speedy and impartial investigation into the incident, followed by serious disciplinary action against the offenders.