Heads of Christian Churches in the Holy Land call to end the war in Gaza

Bombardment of Gaza. Photo: orthodoxianewsagency

Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem and the heads of the Christian churches in the Holy Land and Jerusalem issued a joint message on the occasion of Easter, condemning "all acts of violence in the current devastating war, especially those targeting innocent civilians."

In their joint communique, the leaders of the Christian churches wrote that they are "fully aware of the serious suffering that surrounds us here in the Holy Land, as well as in many other parts of the world."

They called for "an immediate and sustainable ceasefire" and "the swift distribution of humanitarian aid, the release of all detainees, unhindered access for doctors and medical personnel fully equipped to assist the sick and wounded, as well as the initiation of negotiations aimed at ending the cycle of violence."

"Only in this way, we believe, can a comprehensive solution be achieved for a just and lasting peace here, on the land where our Lord sacrificed His life to give the world hope for reconciliation," they wrote.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that Patriarch Theophilos and representatives of the Christian Churches of the Holy Land reaffirmed their commitment to fulfilling their sacred and moral duty of offering assistance, support and refuge to those civilians affected by war.

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