RAMALLAH, January 4, 2017 (WAFA) – The city of Ramallah Wednesday said it has named a street after the late Greek Melkite archbishop, Hilarion Capucci, who was described as an icon of the Palestinian liberation struggle.

Capucci died in Rome on Sunday at age 94.

Capucci, born in Aleppo in Syria, became archbishop of the Greek Catholic Church in Jerusalem in 1965 and was known for his opposition to the Israeli occupation. He was arrested by Israel and sentenced to 12 years in prison in 1974 on charges of supporting Palestinian resistance. He was released after four years under pressure from the Vatican and sent into exile in Rome 1978 to Rome.

Despite the exile, he continued his struggle for the Palestinian people to the last day.

Mayor of Ramallah Musa Hadid announced that this step came to “honor the memory of Capucci in observance of his national positions and defence of Palestinian people’s rights.”

Capucci’s death was eulogized by President Mahmoud Abbas, Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah and many Palestinian officials and the public.

K.F./M.K.