The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, has strongly condemned both the October 7th Hamas attack and Israel's response. He says they are quote “tragedies that cannot be understood and which we have a duty to denounce and condemn unreservedly.”
In a letter addressed to his parishioners, he also points out that:
“The continuous heavy bombardment that has been pounding Gaza for days will only cause more death and destruction and will only increase hatred and resentment. It will not solve any problem.”
From his point of view, the solution is as follows:
“It is only by ending decades of occupation and its tragic consequences, as well as giving a clear and secure national perspective to the Palestinian people that a serious peace process can begin.”
At the same time, the Patriarchate laments the death of 18 Orthodox Christians who died in the bombings and encourages people to overcome any resentment that may arise among the population. He said “it takes courage to demand justice without spreading hatred.”
Among the victims of the attacks on Gaza was also a Caritas Internationalis volunteer and her family. The organization released a statement of the death of Viola, age 26, along with her husband and daughter.
PA/JRB
TR: AT
