Greek Orthodox Church in Jerusalem rebukes US secretary of state over backing of Israel’s war in Gaza

JERUSALEM

Archbishop Atallah Hanna, head of the Sebastia of the Greek Orthodox Church in Jerusalem, criticized US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday after he appeared publicly having marked his forehead with a cross on Ash Wednesday.

In a Facebook post accompanied by a photo of Rubio bearing the cross mark, Hanna stated that "a true Christian must stand with the oppressed, the suffering, and the afflicted—not with the oppressors who commit violence and repression against nations," referring to US support throughout Israel's ongoing genocidal war in Gaza.

He condemned "politicians who distort Christianity’s message through positions that contradict the teachings of the Gospel," calling such actions "an internal enemy targeting the Church from within."

Hanna emphasized that those who "take pride in the cross and openly declare their Christianity must also acknowledge the historical injustice inflicted upon the Palestinian people and recognize the need to end this oppression so Palestinians can achieve the freedom and peace they deserve."

On Tuesday, Rubio reaffirmed US support for Israel in a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stating that backing Tel Aviv is a "top priority" for the Trump administration.

Additionally, Rubio announced Saturday that he had signed a decision to fast-track $4 billion in military aid to Israel, coinciding with Trump’s reversal of conditions previously imposed on the assistance by former President Joe Biden.

A ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement has been in place in Gaza since Jan. 19, halting Israel’s brutal war that has killed over 48,400 Palestinians, most of them women and children, and left the enclave in ruins.

Despite the ceasefire, the Gaza local authorities reported almost daily ceasefire violations by the Israeli army.

Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its military campaign.