Russia calls for holding the Israeli settlers who attacked a church in Jerusalem accountable

Moscow (ST): Russia has expressed its concern about the Israeli settlers’ attack on the Church of the Tomb of the Virgin Mary (Gethsemane) in the occupied city of Jerusalem, calling for holding them accountable.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in a comment posted on the ministry’s website: “Moscow expects the Israeli authorities to provide a clear assessment of what happened against the Gethsemane Church in Jerusalem, and to take comprehensive measures to hold those responsible for the attack accountable and to prevent such incidents from happening in the future.”

She added, “We have recently noticed that churches, clergy, monks and cemeteries of various Christian denominations have become targets of attacks. These abusive behaviors cause deep concern and there can be no justification for such criminal acts.”

Two settlers stormed the church last Sunday and tried to destroy its contents, inflict physical harm on clergy, and intimidate visitors and pilgrims.

K.Q.