Suspicious Activity Near Iqrit Church Sparks Concern, Calls for Action

Na'ama Ashqar, a member of the Iqrit village committee, reported that a group of individuals arrived near the church on Thursday afternoon, parking their car at the courtyard entrance and then circling the building adjacent to the church in a manner that raised suspicions. Ashqar stated during a phone interview on Al-Shams radio that villagers present in the area chose to avoid confrontation while making their presence known, prompting the group to leave. She emphasized that while there was no direct attack or physical contact, the group's demeanor and actions caused concern among residents.

Ashqar linked the incident to a broader pattern of escalating attacks on places of worship across the country, noting that the event has led villagers to be more vigilant about unusual activity around the church. She clarified that villagers do not object to legitimate visitors but found the behavior of this particular group to be distinctly different from normal visits.

With elections approaching, Ashqar urged Arab Knesset members and political factions supporting the next government to prioritize the issue of Iqrit, rather than treating it as a marginal concern. She explained that political and security conditions in recent years have hindered the villagers' usual activities, but the committee remains committed to the cause, strengthening its organization and preparing to resume its efforts.

Ashqar also recalled past damage to the church and its surroundings, including two rockets that fell nearby, destroying parts of the exterior and damaging the interior, and injuring a villager. Despite these past events, restoration efforts have revived the church, and villagers remain determined to maintain their presence and protect the site amidst fears of future attacks on places of worship.