WAFA / Wikimedia Commons
CV NEWS FEED // The Assembly of Catholic Ordinaries of the Holy Land issued a Jan. 16 statement welcoming this week’s Gaza ceasefire agreement, but they emphasized that the conflict’s origin must be addressed in order to reach enduring peace.
The Catholic Ordinaries stated that they hope the ceasefire “will mark an important end to the violence that has caused immeasurable suffering” and allow families to receive humanitarian aid.
However, they said that though the war is stopping, the deeper conflict remains.
“Genuine and lasting peace can only be achieved through a just solution that addresses the origin of this long-standing struggle,” the Catholic clergy explained. “This requires a long process, a willingness to acknowledge each other’s suffering and a focused education in trust that leads to overcoming fear of the other and the justification of violence as a political tool.”
The Assembly is comprised of the 27 bishops, eparchs, and exarchs of the Catholic Church serving in the Holy Land.
The Catholic Ordinaries expressed hope that the ceasefire would enable communities across the region to experience hope, dialogue, and reconciliation.
“At the beginning of the Jubilee Year dedicated to hope that does not disappoint, we read in this event a sign that reminds us of God’s faithfulness,” they said.
They added that political leaders and the international community should now work to create a strong political vision.
“A future built on dignity, security and freedom for all peoples is a prerequisite for true and lasting peace,” they said. “We urge all parties to implement the immediate steps and negotiate the future steps of the agreement in good faith.”
Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem and chair of the Assembly, told Vatican Media’s Roberto Paglialonga that the ceasefire “is only the first step,” even though it is “the necessary turning point.” Cardinal Pizzaballa also said of the ceasefire that the agreement was nearly the the same as the discussion that occurred months ago, and that the reasons for the delay in finalizing it are complex.
