Hamas Hails Churches' Condemnation Of Israeli Violations

Palestinian resistance group Hamas on Saturday welcomed the condemnation of Israeli violations by the World Council of Churches.

"This stance is a new proof that exposes the crimes and violations committed by the Israeli occupation against our land, people and holy sites," Hamas said in a statement.

On Friday, the Central Committee of the World Council of Churches issued a statement in Geneva accusing Israel of "overtly and systematically discriminating Palestinians."

The statement expressed "deep concern" over the rapidly deteriorating situation regarding Israel's recent disruption of Christian religious observances in the wake of an Israeli court decision allowing settlers to expropriate church properties near the Jaffa Gate in East Jerusalem's Old City.

There was no comment from the Israeli authorities on the council's statement.

The World Council of Churches is a fellowship of 352 churches from more than 120 countries representing over 580 million Christians worldwide.

*Writing by Ahmed Asmar -