Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem issue statement on the recent attacks on crowds gathering to receive humanitarian aid
The Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem today issued a statement following the deaths of more than 100 Palestinians who were waiting to receive humanitarian aid on Thursday.
In it, they stated, “We, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem, condemn this wanton attack against innocent civilians and call for the warring parties to reach an immediate and lengthy ceasefire that allows for the speedy disbursement of relief supplies throughout the Gaza strip, and for the enactment of a negotiated release of those held as captives and prisoners.”
The church leaders went on to say, “we convey our special prayers of support to the Christian communities in Gaza under our pastoral care. We likewise extend these same expressions of solidarity to the intrepid staff and volunteers of the Anglican-run Ahli Hospital, and to the patients they serve.”
They concluded, “our ultimate hope is that the end of hostilities, the release of captives, and the care of the downtrodden will open a horizon for serious diplomatic discussions that finally lead to a just and lasting peace here in the land where our Lord Jesus Christ first took up his cross on our behalf.”
The full statement is below:
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