JERUSALEM (OSV News) — The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem welcomed the announcement of an initial agreement between Hamas and Israel “with joy,” stressing the “absolute urgency” for the “immediate” and “unconditional” entry of humanitarian relief and sufficient aid into Gaza.
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.
In a statement issued on 9 October, the patriarchate expressed its hope “that this accord will be fully and faithfully implemented, so that it may mark the beginning of the end of this terrible war.”
“Above all, the Patriarchate prays that this step may open a path of healing and reconciliation for both Palestinians and Israelis.”
Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, quoted in the statement, called the announcement “good news” and a “first step.”
“Surely there will be other obstacles,” he said. “But 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.”
“Now 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,” he continued.
“But 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,” he said
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 “very realistic and not naïve.” However, the announcement of the agreement had brought a “new atmosphere” and “a new spirit of trust … and hope within both Israelis and Palestinians.”
“This is very important,” he said in the video.
“The 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,” he added. “We hope we can dedicate all our energy now not to rebuild just the infrastructure, but the human life devastated by this war.”
He also expressed hope that with the signing of the agreement, attention can be focused on rebuilding Gaza.
“We 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,” he said in the video.
“The 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,” the statement from the Patriarchate said.
The Israeli security cabinet, where Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s 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.
The patriarchate reiterated its call for the day of prayer for peace declared by Pope Leo XIV on 11 October.
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