As news spread of a long-awaited ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, reactions from religious leaders in the region expressed hopes for peace in the Holy Land, concern for the safety of hostages as well as the people of the Gaza Strip for the past 15 months.
In a statement released Jan. 16 by the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, the Catholic Ordinaries of the Holy Land said they hoped the ceasefire “will mark an important end to the violence that has caused immeasurable suffering.”
“It is a necessary step to halt the destruction and meet the urgent humanitarian needs of countless families affected by the conflict,” the statement read.
The agreement, which must overcome a few hurdles before being implemented, and pass a vote in the Israeli parliament — currently delayed by Israel — included a six-week initial ceasefire phase and the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip.
But as CNN reported, overnight, shortly after the deal was agreed, local emergency crews in Gaza said the territory was tormented by constant bombardment, with Israeli strikes killing at least 77 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Civil Defense. Of those killed, 21 were children and 25 women, it said.
This came just after a celebration outburst on the streets of Gaza. Father Gabriel Romanelli, pastor of Holy Family Parish in Gaza, told Italian bishops’ conference new agency SIR that people were beginning “to nurture the hope of returning to their homes — for those who still have them — and understanding what is left and how to rebuild.”
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With thanks to the National Catholic Reporter (NCR) and OSV News, where this article originally appeared.
