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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemns violence against Christians in Nigeria
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Calls for an immediate end to killings and displacement linked to religious persecution
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Says attacks on Christians or any faith group are unacceptable
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has criticised what he described as persistent violence and religious persecution against Christians in Nigeria, calling for an immediate end to attacks and displacement affecting Christian communities.
Netanyahu made the remarks in a Christmas message delivered on Wednesday, where he condemned assaults on Christians and adherents of other religions, stressing that such acts should never be tolerated anywhere in the world.
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According to him, militant attacks targeting Christians in Nigeria must stop without delay, warning that continued violence undermines human dignity and religious freedom.
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“The persecution of Christians or members of any religion cannot and must not be tolerated. The displacement and attacks against Christians in Nigeria must end, and they must end now,” Netanyahu said.
The Israeli leader used the occasion to highlight Israel’s record on religious freedom, describing the country as the only place in the Middle East where Christians are able to practise their faith openly and safely.
He said Christians in Israel enjoy full rights, freely celebrate religious traditions and welcome pilgrims without fear of intimidation, unlike what he described as declining Christian populations in other parts of the Middle East.
Netanyahu noted that while Israel’s Christian population continues to grow, Christian communities in countries such as Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Turkey, and areas under the Palestinian Authority have significantly declined due to discrimination and insecurity.
He also referenced Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus, claiming that the city’s Christian population dropped sharply after control was transferred to the Palestinian Authority.
“Bethlehem once had an 80 per cent Christian population. Since it came under the Palestinian Authority, that figure has fallen to about 20 per cent,” he said.
Drawing further contrasts, Netanyahu said Jerusalem authorities distribute Christmas trees annually as part of official celebrations, while a Christmas tree was recently set ablaze in Jenin, an incident he said reflected intolerance elsewhere.
“In Jerusalem, Christmas trees are officially distributed every year. In contrast, a Christmas tree was burned in a church in Jenin just days ago,” he stated.
He concluded by extending Christmas greetings to Christians worldwide and reiterating Israel’s commitment to defending religious freedom across the region.
