Leaders of the Catholic Church are following the ceasefire negotiations in Gaza with concern. The latest news: a joint statement from the patriarchs and religious leaders of Jerusalem. Their words are straightforward.
The warring parties are apparently more concerned with political considerations than with putting an end to the pursuit of death and destruction. These repeated delays, coupled with other provocative acts, have only served to escalate tensions to the point where we stand on the verge of a full-fledged regional war.
The negotiation summit that began in Doha, with the United States, Qatar and Egypt as mediators, continued in Cairo. All for the purpose of dialogue based on President Biden's proposal to put an end to the war.
The proposal has changed in recent months, but the modifications have not been released. But the public does know that Hamas has rejected the modifications, saying that they were only made to please Israel.
One of the most controversial aspects is the so-called Philadelphi Corridor, a border area between Gaza and Egypt that serves as a strategic location for weapons smuggling for Hamas.
Hamas is demanding in the negotiations that Israeli troops cease to control the territory. But Israel insists that their army must remain for the sake of security for their country.
A few days ago, the Patriarch of Jerusalem expressed his doubts about the complexity of the negotiation situation.
CARD. PIERBATTISTA PIZZABALLA
Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem
The war will end. I hope that something will come out of the ongoing negotiations. I have some doubts, but it's the last train. If a cease-fire cannot be reached, it will be tragic, really tragic. And we are in a moment of reminiscence. We can go towards a cease-fire or we can also go towards an escalation. It all depends on the next few days.
No results have emerged from the negotiations thus far. The most recent ceasefire in Gaza was in November 2023.
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TR: AT
