Settler raids and military closures threaten life in Taybeh, West Bank's last all-Christian town

In Taybeh, the last Palestinian town with an entirely Christian population, families have begun sleeping with fire extinguishers and guard dogs after settlers set fire to a nearby vehicle and ignored calls for help. Quarry owner Roland Basir and his workers have been chased off by armed settlers, whose most aggressive incursion in March involved dozens of men, flag-raising and destruction of equipment. Mayor Suleiman Khourieh estimates roughly seven illegal outposts now encircle the town, some occupying municipal land and a local vineyard’s well.

A military-zone order issued in early August restricts entry for outsiders but has not stopped settlers from entering, and police response has been delayed. Economic fallout is severe: the Taybeh Brewery’s sales have dropped 80 % since October 2023, and fifteen families have already moved away. Despite the threats, community leaders such as Father Bashar Fawadleh and local business owners say they will remain rooted in the town.