As the 15-month devastating war reached a point of a ceasefire 15 January, US Bishop A Elias Zaidan of the Maronite Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon expressed hope and optimism following the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, viewing it as a significant step toward peace in a region long marred by violence.
He emphasised the importance of this development as a sign of potential peace, thanking the US for its role in facilitating the ceasefire and hostage release.
Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, cautioned that while the ceasefire is a necessary turning point, and that he received the news with much joy, achieving lasting peace will take much longer, as the end of the war does not equate to the end of the conflict.
Both bishops echoed the call for a “diplomacy of hope,” stressing the need for truth, justice, and forgiveness in future peace efforts.
The Catholic Ordinaries of the Holy Land also expressed their hopes for an end to the violence, underscoring the urgent humanitarian needs of those affected by the conflict.
While the ceasefire marked a step forward, Father Francesco Patton, Custos of the Holy Land, expressed concerns about the international community’s role and the challenges ahead.
Efforts to provide aid continue, with Catholic organisations playing a key role in supporting displaced people in Gaza.
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