Holy Land: Archbishop arrested during peaceful protest over seizure of church property

Archbishop Hanna

Israeli forces arrested Greek Orthodox Archbishop Atallah Hanna, on Saturday, as he took part in a march protesting over the illegal seizure of a Christian hospital which is part of al-Baraka Presbyterian church complex, north of Hebron.

A delegation from the Presbyterian church as well as international and Israeli peace activists took part in the march against the sale of the hospital, which provided medical services to Palestinians. The sale is illegal under international and canonical law.

Last month Israeli newspaper Haaretz leaked details of the seizure of Beit al-Baraka hospital by a Jewish billionaire, the sale having been allegedly made through a fake Norwegian real estate company. Days after the report, the sale process halted, however Israeli Defense Minister, Moshe Ya'alon, subsequently decided that there was no legal impediment to the sale of the building.

On Saturday, Israeli activists from 'Fighters for Peace', who took part in the protest, said Israeli policy should be condemned by all religions.

Archbishop Hanna has taken part in several campaigns to protect church property from illegal seizures.