Member of the PLO Executive Committee and Head of the Higher Presidential Committee for Church Affairs in Palestine, Dr. Ramzi Khouri, along with committee members, participated in the official reception for His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos III of the Greek Orthodox Church, His Eminence Bishop Mor Anthimos Jack Yakoub of the Syriac Orthodox Church, and His Eminence Bishop Anba Antonios of the Coptic Orthodox Church, on the occasion of Christmas according to the Eastern calendar. The event was attended by Bethlehem Governor Mohammed Taha, Bethlehem Mayor Anton Salman, representatives of the diplomatic corps, security officials, and a large gathering of Bethlehem residents.
On this occasion, Khouri reflected on the somber atmosphere overshadowing Christmas, emphasizing that Palestine is unable to fully embrace the joy of Christmas due to the ongoing Israeli genocide in Gaza. He highlighted the persistent violations against the Palestinian people and denounced the international community’s failure to take decisive action to hold Israel and its extremist leaders accountable for their crimes.
Following the reception, Khouri held discussions with church leaders, conveying the warm greetings of President Mahmoud Abbas. He expressed hope that the coming year would bring justice, freedom, and the realization of the Palestinian people’s aspirations for an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital.
