Archbishop Atallah Hanna says Israeli occupation responsible for poisoning him using a chemical substance
AMMAN, (ST)- Palestinian Archbishop Atallah Hanna, Head of the Sebastia Diocese of the Greek Orthodox Church in occupied al-Quds, told reporters on Monday that he holds Israel responsible for poisoning him last Wednesday, December 18th, while he was in church.
Maan news quoted the archbishop, who is currently at one of the hospitals of the Jordanian capital Amman for necessary medical treatment, as saying that he was poisoned after he inhaled a chemical substance that was sprayed inside the church.
“We hold the Israeli authorities responsible, because we are sure that the occupation is the party that used these toxic materials in the church. Previously, familiar materials used to be sprayed for sterilization and moisture, but current tests and preliminary signs have uncovered the use of internationally-banned poisonous substance that has very serious effects, especially on the nerve system.”
Hanna called on both Muslims and Christians to remain united and maintain their brotherhood relationship and said that by targeting him, Israel has targeted all the Palestinians.
“We celebrate the birth of Christ as one family and our enemies want us to be fragmented”, Archbishop Hanna said.
Hamda Mustafa