The European Union missions in Jerusalem and Ramallah called on “Israel” to protect the status quo and the holy places in occupied East Jerusalem, including Christian ones.

The missions said in a statement issued by them that members of the “Elad Settlement Organization” accompanied by the Israeli police seized a property last Tuesday in the Wadi Hilweh area in Silwan, south of Al-Aqsa Mosque.

She added that the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate had been renting the property for decades to a tenant in Jerusalem.

The European Union missions expressed their deep concern about the repercussions of this measure on the property rights of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate and Christian churches in Jerusalem in general, including in the Old City.

He stressed that stopping attempts to seize the property of Christian churches is a must, because they pose a serious threat to peaceful coexistence between the three monotheistic religions in Jerusalem.

He stressed the need to preserve the special status and character of Jerusalem and its Old City and respect them by all.

Last Tuesday, the Greek Patriarchate condemned, in a statement, the Israeli action that was taken “without any right or judicial decision against the five-dunam property,” affirming its adherence to all its rights, properties, and endowments, and will spare no effort to protect and defend them.