Government Condemns Syrian Violence and Pledges Aid to Christians

Syria

Brutal assaults targeting minority groups in Syria, among them Christian communities, have sparked renewed international concern in recent days. Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó condemned the violence on his Facebook page, on Saturday.

“Sad news has been coming out of Syria in recent days, with further brutal attacks on minorities, including Christians. This is unacceptable, and the international community must take decisive action against these attacks,” he wrote.

Today, my Israeli colleague Gideon Sa’ar and I reviewed the situation in the region and agreed that the attacks against minorities in Syria must be strongly condemned,”

he outlined.

Attacks against minorities, including Christians, in Syria are unacceptable. With @gidonsaar we agreed: these atrocities must be firmly condemned. We welcome Israel–Vatican talks after the recent tragic events and support the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem with €25,000.

— Péter Szijjártó (@FM_Szijjarto) July 19, 2025

Péter Szijjártó emphasized that Christian communities facing hardship around the world can continue to count on Hungary’s solidarity. In light of the recent tragic events in Syria, he welcomed the strengthening of diplomatic relations between the Vatican and Israel, viewing it as a positive step toward supporting persecuted Christians in the region. As part of Hungary’s ongoing commitment, the government will provide an additional 10 million forints (25,000 euros) to support the humanitarian efforts of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem.

In a statement shared in response to recent attacks in the Middle East, State Secretary for the Aid of Persecuted Christians at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Tristan Azbej, highlighted the growing threats faced by religious minorities. “In recent days, several religious minorities – including Christians, alongside Druze and Alawites – have been the target of violent attacks in Syria,” he noted. He also drew attention to a tragic incident in Gaza, where, based on official reports, a stray bullet struck the Catholic Church of the Holy Family, claiming several lives. Tristan Azbej emphasized Hungary’s active diplomatic and humanitarian response: “I myself contacted Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, who is currently in Gaza. I expressed Hungary’s solidarity with the Christian community.” After learning about the most pressing needs on the ground, Hungary offered 10 million forints (25,000 euros) in emergency aid to support the humanitarian efforts of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem.

“Hungary, as always, stands by Christian communities in need,” Tristan Azbej reaffirmed.

While the West Looks the Other Way, We Help Persecuted Christians. Interview with Tristan Azbej