Common Appeal of the Churches in Jerusalem
The leaders of the churches established in Jerusalem called on the leaders of the warring parties to reach a quick peace agreement, stating that they want the international community and their calls to heed. In this context, the following statements were made in a joint written statement:
“We, the Patriarchs and leaders of the Churches in Jerusalem, once again call on the leaders of the warring parties to heed our call and that of the international community to reach a speedy agreement for peace.”
The statement stressed that millions of people in Gaza have been displaced, their homes destroyed and hundreds of civilians indiscriminately killed every week. It also added that “countless people continue to endure hunger, thirst and infectious diseases.”
The statement noted that the ceasefire negotiations in Gaza were prolonged due to the political concerns of the parties, and that this situation served no purpose other than increasing tension and brought the country to the brink of a full-blown regional war.
In the statement, the following call was made to the parties:
- Concrete steps should be taken to promote just and lasting peace in the region through the adoption of a two-state solution that enjoys international legitimacy.
In this context, the following points were also emphasized in the statement:
- While making these calls, we are considering the interests of everyone living in the region.
- We have special concern for the Christian communities under our religious responsibility.
Also part of this concern are those who have taken refugee in the St. Porphyrios Orthodox Church and the Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza, as well as the brave staff of the Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital and the patients in their care.
Since Israel began its attacks on the Gaza Strip on October 7, 2023, it has been constantly forcing Palestinians in Gaza to move from one place to another with frequent eviction threats. According to United Nations (UN) data, 9 out of every 10 people in the Gaza Strip have been displaced due to Israeli attacks. Displaced Palestinians who fled these attacks are trying to survive in primitive tents in very difficult conditions in the areas where they have taken refugee.
