Hateful graffiti sprayed on Jerusalem church

OCCUPIED JERUSALEM — Israeli police say they have discovered hateful Hebrew graffiti on the walls of a noted church in occupied Jerusalem. Police spokeswoman Luba Samri said Sunday that anti-Christian slogans were found on the outer walls of the Dormition Abbey in the Old City of Jerusalem. The church itself says the writing included threats of violence and a call for Christians to “go to hell.” Police are investigating but suspicion immediately fell on Jewish extremists who have for years vandalized Palestinian property, as well as mosques, churches, the offices of dovish Israeli groups and even Israeli military bases. The so-called “price tag” attacks seek to exact a cost for Israeli steps seen as favoring the Palestinians. That attacks have prompted widespread condemnation and pledges by Israel’s government to get tougher on Jewish vigilantes. Meanwhile in Ramallah, Palestinian officials said they have arrested a staffer in the office of the chief negotiator on suspicion of leaking documents to Israel. The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the issue, said the man confessed to providing information to the Israelis. The suspect is said to have worked for 20 years in the negotiation department. Chief negotiator Saeb Erekat and his office declined to comment. Erekat, who also serves as the secretary general of the PLO Executive Committee, is one of the most prominent Palestinian public officials and the discovery of a mole in his office could hurt his standing. Collaborating with Israel is considered a serious crime in Palestinian society. Some have been killed for doing so. — Agencies