Jordan condemns Israel’s freezing of the accounts of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem

The Patriarch of Jerusalem welcomed Jordan’s support and denounced the “freezing” of the Patriarchate’s accounts.

Jordan’s Position

Jordan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemned Israel’s decision to freeze the bank accounts of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem, calling it a “serious escalation” and a blatant violation of the Patriarchate’s historical rights.

According to the official statement, Jordanian diplomacy stressed that the measure, combined with the attacks against Christian pilgrims, “openly violates the eternal rights of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem” and constitutes an action that “undermines the historical and legal status of the holy sites in occupied Jerusalem.”

The Ministry’s spokesperson, Ambassador Sufyan Qudah, expressed Jordan’s “absolute rejection and condemnation” of Israel’s actions, stressing that, as the occupying power, Israel “bears full responsibility for the escalations and violations.”

He further underlined that Israel’s practices “contradict international and humanitarian law” and warned of their “serious consequences” on regional security and stability.

At the same time, Qudah called on the international community “to assume its legal and moral responsibilities” by exerting effective pressure on Israel to end the violations and respect its international obligations.

He also reminded of the need to preserve the historical and legal status of the holy sites under Hashemite Custodianship.

Concluding, the Foreign Ministry’s spokesperson reiterated that “the only path to peace, security, and stability in the region is the two-state solution, with the creation of an independent Palestinian state and East Jerusalem as its capital, based on international legitimacy.”

The Reaction of the Patriarch of Jerusalem

The Patriarch of Jerusalem, His Beatitude Theophilos III, welcomed Jordan’s strong condemnation of the ongoing attacks against Christians in the West Bank, the violation of the status quo in Jerusalem, and the recent “freezing” of the accounts of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem by the city’s municipality.

The Primate of the Church of Jerusalem expressed his gratitude to the Hashemite Kingdom, emphasizing that Jordan’s support constitutes a “shield” and a “safety valve” for the Christians of the Holy Land.

“The clear and steadfast positions of King Abdullah II against every attack on the Christians of the Holy Places reflect the genuine courage and wisdom of the Jordanian leadership,” he said, stressing that the Hashemite Custodianship remains “the true guarantee for our firm presence in our holy land.”

Referring to the unilateral decision of the Jerusalem Municipality to freeze the Patriarchate’s accounts, His Beatitude warned about the practical consequences for the Church’s social and humanitarian mission.

“The freezing of the Church’s accounts will hinder our ability to continue providing humanitarian and social services through the Patriarchal institutions, including schools, service centers, and aid to the needy, at a time when we must foster a spirit of solidarity,” he noted.

He also revealed that coordination has already begun with the other Churches of Jerusalem to form a common position against these arbitrary practices, so that “our voice may reach the whole world.”

The Patriarch of Jerusalem also referred to the international dimensions of the issue, calling on the international community “to assume its moral and humanitarian responsibilities” and to put an end to the actions of the occupying authorities.

“The Palestinian people are determined to remain on their land. They will never abandon it, but will remain steadfast in their holy territory,” he concluded.