Greek Orthodox Priest of Dormition of Theotokos Church in Aboud, West Bank, condemns Israeli closure of village entrance, decries daily suffering of Palestinian people

RAMALLAH — Father Emmanuel Awad, caretaker of the Greek Orthodox Dormition of Theotokos Church in Aboud, situated west of Ramallah in the central West Bank, has spoken out against the Israeli Army’s closure of the village entrance, forcing residents to navigate a hazardous dirt road.

According to Father Awad, life for Palestinians, including himself, has been plagued by daily hardships since the outbreak of conflict on 7 October. He highlighted the severe impact of Israeli measures on the village’s inhabitants.

Father Awad detailed the closure of the main entrance by the Israeli Army, compelling both himself and fellow villagers to traverse a treacherous dirt path. He emphasized that the imposition of military checkpoints and the closing of village entrances have compounded the villagers’ suffering.

Describing the entrance as sealed off by an iron gate, Father Awad expressed fears of Israeli Army reprisals from the military point stationed at the entrance, discouraging anyone from approaching it.

Moreover, Father Awad underscored the perilous journey villagers must undertake, navigating through an Israeli wall enveloping the settlement, which encroaches upon the lands of Aboud and neighboring villages. He labeled the process of entering and exiting the village as fraught with risk.