Israeli settlers attacked the Church of the Visitation in Ein Karem, a neighborhood west of Jerusalem, on Thursday, February 19, 2026, spray-painting racist slogans on its walls and nearby vehicles, according to reports from Palestinian and international news agencies.
The Jerusalem Governorate reported that a group of settlers stormed the church, located in the depopulated village of Ein Karem, and defaced the property. Sada News reported the slogans were racist in nature. The attack is part of a pattern of repeated violations against religious sites in Jerusalem, including incursions into churches and mosques and attempts to alter the city’s historical and religious character, according to Sada News.
The Church of the Visitation commemorates the traditional site of Mary’s visit to her cousin Elizabeth, as described in the Gospel of Luke.
According to Wafa news agency, as reported by Arab News, the settlers also sprayed “revenge” messages on the church walls. MSN reported that the slogans were inciting as well as racist.
Israeli police have launched an investigation into the incident, Haaretz reported. The Times of Israel also reported on the police investigation.
The attack occurred as Israeli forces detained 24 Palestinians in raids across the West Bank, according to MSN.
This incident follows a series of recent events including Hamas’s statement calling for an conclude to aggression and the recognition of Palestinian national rights, reports of Israeli preparedness for a potential attack from Iran, and injuries and arrests during occupation attacks in Jerusalem and the West Bank. The United States recently approved the establishment of an official communication channel, according to officials.
