The Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem have issued a statement in light of the U.S.-brokered ceasefire that has brought peace to the Gaza Strip. The Statement on the Declarations on the End of the War in Gaza was published on Tuesday, October 14.
In the statement, the Patriarchs expressed gratitude to the international community for its relentless efforts in achieving this major breakthrough. Expressing hope that this first stage of the ceasefire marks the beginning of the end of the Gaza war, they urged all parties to exercise restraint and to resolve future disagreements through negotiation and mediation.
The Church leaders also acknowledged the long path of healing and reconciliation that lies ahead. They emphasized the need for continued global mobilization, such as the efforts seen at Sharm El-Sheikh, to deliver humanitarian aid and relief to the people of Gaza and other affected communities in the region.
While expressing hope for the restoration and rebuilding of Gaza, the Patriarchs voiced concern over the growing settler violence in the West Bank, which continues to endanger local communities. They urged international actors to expand the scope of peace negotiations to include both Gaza and the West Bank, and to work toward the establishment of a Palestinian state living peacefully side by side with Israel.
The Patriarchs affirmed that this was the only path to lasting peace in the Holy Land and the wider Middle East. They also commended the residents of St. Porphyrios Orthodox Church, the Holy Family Catholic Church, and the staff of Al-Ahli Anglican Hospital for their perseverance in faith throughout this two-year ordeal, calling their steadfastness a shining example for all believers.
The statement concluded with a prayer of thanksgiving to Almighty God for restoring peace to the Holy Land and a plea for His continued grace to guide the faithful toward a new era of peace and reconciliation.