{"id":16782,"date":"2025-10-09T15:13:57","date_gmt":"2025-10-09T19:13:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cnewa.org\/ca\/?p=16782"},"modified":"2025-10-09T15:13:57","modified_gmt":"2025-10-09T19:13:57","slug":"holy-land-patriarch-welcomes-peace-deal-announcement","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cnewa.org\/ca\/holy-land-patriarch-welcomes-peace-deal-announcement\/","title":{"rendered":"Holy Land Patriarch Welcomes Peace Deal Announcement"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

JERUSALEM (OSV News) \u2014 The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem welcomed the announcement of an initial agreement between Hamas and Israel \u201cwith joy,\u201d stressing the \u201cabsolute urgency\u201d for the \u201cimmediate\u201d and \u201cunconditional\u201d entry of humanitarian relief and sufficient aid into Gaza.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The agreement anticipates an end to the two-year war in Gaza and allows for the release of Israeli hostages and of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli prison.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In a statement issued on 9 October, the patriarchate expressed its hope \u201cthat this accord will be fully and faithfully implemented, so that it may mark the beginning of the end of this terrible war.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAbove all, the Patriarchate prays that this step may open a path of healing and reconciliation for both Palestinians and Israelis.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, quoted in the statement, called the announcement \u201cgood news\u201d and a \u201cfirst step.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"people
Al Jazeera reporter Nour Abu Rokba works as Palestinian emergency personnel celebrate in Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip, after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Israel and Hamas agreed on the first phase of a Gaza ceasefire 9 October. (photo: OSV News \/Ebrahim Hajjaj, Reuters)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSurely there will be other obstacles,\u201d he said. \u201cBut now we have to rejoice about this important step that will bring a little more trust for the future and also bring new hope, especially to the people, both Israeli and Palestinians.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNow we finally see something new and different. Of course, there will also be a new atmosphere for the continuation of negotiation, also for all the life inside Gaza that will remain terrible for a long time,\u201d he continued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBut now we are happy, and we hope that this is just the beginning of a new phase where we can, little by little, start thinking not about war, but about how to rebuild after the war,\u201d he said<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In a 9 October video statement released to the press by the Latin patriarchate, Cardinal Pizzaballa said they were aware of the need to be \u201cvery realistic and not na\u00efve.\u201d However, the announcement of the agreement had brought a \u201cnew atmosphere\u201d and \u201ca new spirit of trust \u2026 and hope within both Israelis and Palestinians.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis is very important,\u201d he said in the video.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe devastation is enormous but now, today, is the time to rejoice for this important step that is bringing a new spirit in our life and the lives especially of Gaza inhabitants,\u201d he added. \u201cWe hope we can dedicate all our energy now not to rebuild just the infrastructure, but the human life devastated by this war.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He also expressed hope that with the signing of the agreement, attention can be focused on rebuilding Gaza.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe have to turn a new page, start writing a new page. We have to talk not about the war but how to build after the war,\u201d he said in the video.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe patriarchate commends the work of all those who have been involved in the negotiations and expresses appreciation for their tireless efforts in making this step possible,\u201d the statement from the Patriarchate said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Israeli security cabinet, where Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu\u2019s ruling Likud party holds a majority, was scheduled to meet to vote on the agreement at 5 p.m. Israeli time with the full Knesset meeting to convene at 6 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The patriarchate reiterated its call for the day of prayer for peace declared by Pope Leo XIV on 11 October.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Click the button below to support CNEWA\u2019s\u00a0emergency campaign in Gaza.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n

\n