Statement on the Israeli-Hamas conflict
24 October 2023
The Middle East is yet again convulsed in conflict. The decades-long dispossession and repression of the Palestinian people continues unabated. Threats to the safety and security of Israel render co-existence impossible. The deadly spiral of attack and retaliation entrenches hostility, perpetuates violence, and pushes peace beyond the horizon.
Hamas’ recent attacks on innocent Israeli citizens – infants, children, youth, elderly – killing more than a thousand, wounding many others, and taking 200 hostages, deeply traumatised those for whom the Holocaust is a living memory. The Jews of Israel, Australia, and around the world who are grieving and hurting have our sympathy and support.
The retaliation by the Israeli Defence Forces – bombing Gaza; blocking food, water, fuel, and medical supplies; demanding more than a million people leave their homes; the loss of thousands of lives, especially women and children; the threatened land invasion which will cause even more devastation and loss of life. The Palestinians and Muslim families and friends in Australia and around the world too have our sympathy and support.
“Terrorism and extremism do not help reach a solution to the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians, but fuel hatred, violence, revenge and only cause each other to suffer. The Middle East does not need war, but peace, a peace built on dialogue and the courage of fraternity.” (Pope Francis)
Every life is precious – Israeli, Palestinian, Jewish, Muslim, and Christian. Every person is made “in the image and likeness of God” and is of equal value. From this faith conviction, we urge the following:
- Adherence to international law: ensuring the safety of civilians, not inflicting collective punishment on them or using them as shields; the return of hostages; securing humanitarian corridors for refugees and for bringing relief to those in need; ensuring the protection of hospitals, places of worship, and other sanctuaries.
- De-escalating the conflict: showing restraint; avoiding derogatory language which demonises and de-humanises the other; accepting one’s share of responsibility without trying to pin all the blame on the other; not disseminating or reacting to propaganda.
- An immediate ceasefire: that leaders recognise the proven futility of war, lay down their arms, and seek a negotiated diplomatic settlement through encounter, dialogue, and forging a just resolution that addresses the underlying issues and respects the legitimate rights of both Israelis and Palestinians.
- Avoiding selective solidarity: that state and federal politicians in Australia and leaders around the world not support one side and neglect the pain and suffering of the other, causing division in society; that leaders show compassion for all communities, highlight our common humanity, and unite all in the common cause of seeking a just and peaceful settlement; that all people avoid antisemitic and islamophobic language.
As Christians, we follow a crucified and risen Christ. Therefore, we identify with all who suffer and are unjustly killed. We urge all believers to pray to the God of Abraham, whom Jews, Muslims, and Christians all worship, to bring about peace and reconciliation among all the children of Abraham.
“Please do not shed any more innocent blood, neither in the Holy Land, nor in Ukraine, nor anywhere else! Enough! Wars are always a defeat, always!” (Pope Francis)
United in solidarity with all victims,
Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta (centre) with the Diocese of Parramatta Interfaith Commission, including Chair Kate Xavier (centre right). Image: Supplied
Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv
Bishop of Parramatta
Kate Xavier
Chair of the Interfaith Commission of the Diocese of Parramatta.
