Patriarchs and church leaders in Jerusalem welcome Gaza ceasefire, call for a just and lasting peace

Issued by the patriarchs and heads of churches in Jerusalem, the statement welcomed the announcement of a ceasefire in Gaza and the exchange of prisoners, expressing joy at the move long awaited by people in the region and around the world after a devastating war that exhausted everyone.

Church leaders expressed appreciation for the international efforts that helped achieve the agreement, saying they hoped the first phase of the ceasefire would mark a genuine start to ending the war and the beginning of a process of reconciliation and healing between Palestinians and Israelis. They also called for future disputes to be resolved through dialogue and mediation, away from violence.

The statement called for an urgent and comprehensive flow of humanitarian assistance to the Gaza Strip, including food, water, fuel, medicines, shelter and medical facilities, to pave the way for a rapid debris‑removal and reconstruction programme. The leaders also voiced concern about rising violence in the West Bank and expanding settlements, urging that current negotiations be broadened to end the occupation and establish an independent Palestinian state living in peace alongside Israel.

The patriarchs and heads of churches closed their statement with words of encouragement for Christians at St. Porphyrius and the Holy Family churches and for staff at Al‑Ahli Evangelical Hospital, praising their resilience and faith over the past two years and reaffirming their commitment to continue working to consolidate a just and lasting peace in the Holy Land.