Pat. of Jerusalem Hails Gaza Ceasefire, Calls for Palestinian Statehood
A group of Christian leaders urged expanding talks to “include an end to the Occupation of both Gaza and the West Bank, leading to the establishment of a Palestinian state living side-by-side in peace with the present state of Israel.”
JERUSALEM — Pat. Theophilos and other Christian leaders in the Holy Land have hailed the recent Gaza ceasefire, calling it a “major achievement” and urging broader negotiations for Palestinian statehood.
In a statement, they expressed joy at the “enactment of the ceasefire in Gaza, and the successful release of captives,” crediting “the huge and courageous efforts of all who worked to accomplish this, especially those of President Trump.”
The leaders acknowledged the ongoing humanitarian crisis, advocating for “a rapid surge of food, clean water, fuel, medical supplies, and temporary shelters into the Gaza Strip” and a robust rebuilding program.
They urged expanding talks to “include an end to the Occupation of both Gaza and the West Bank, leading to the establishment of a Palestinian state living side-by-side in peace with the present state of Israel.” They believe this is the only path to “a just and lasting peace” in the Holy Land.
The statement also offered encouragement to Christians at St. Porphyrios Orthodox Church, Holy Family Catholic Church, and Al-Ahli Anglican Hospital, praising their resilience. The leaders pledged continued support, invoking Psalm 46:9–10, and called for renewed commitment to peacebuilding.
To read the whole statement, visit orthochristian.com.
Previously, the UOJ reported how the Israeli Defense Force has repeatedly attempted to "evacuate" the only Orthodox church in Gaza.
