The president of the Palestinian territories, Mahmoud Abbas, on Monday received Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem.
During the meeting, Abbas referred to the recent statements issued by the Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem, and affirmed that his state will continue to support the people of Jerusalem, and will protect Christian holy sites.
Abbas added that “…We share with you the importance of carrying out more vital projects that contribute to the consolidation of the Christian presence in Jerusalem and the rest of the Holy Land, and we highly value your undertaking such projects, and your international campaign aimed at exposing violations of the rights of believers in the Holy Land.”
On his part, His Most Godly Beatitude affirmed that the Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem have decided to carry out an international campaign that briefs the Christian world of violations committed against the Holy City, especially with regards to Orthodox properties threatened with seizure by radical groups in the Jaffa Gate vicinity of Jerusalem.