The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem welcomed « with joy » the announcement of an initial agreement between Hamas and Israel in an Oct. 9 statement, but also stressed 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 long war in Gaza and allows for the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners in Israeli prison.
« The Patriarchate ardently hopes that this accord will be fully and faithfully implemented, so that it may mark the beginning of the end of this terrible war, » the patriarchate said in the statement. « Above all, the Patriarchate prays that this step may open a path of healing and reconciliation for both Palestinians and Israelis. »
Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa called the announcement « good news » and a « first step, » noting in the statement that there will be other phases that will need to be implemented. But for now, he said, the patriarchate was « very happy. »
« Of course, there are many others, and surely there will be other obstacles. 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, » Pizzaballa said in the statement.
The statement quoted the cardinal as emphasizing that there would be a « new atmosphere » for the continuation of the negotiations and for life inside Gaza, which will « remain terrible for a long time. »
In an Oct. 9 video statement released to the press by the Latin patriarchate, Pizzaballa also said that while they were aware of the need to be « very realistic and not naive, » 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, they can now begin focusing on rebuilding Gaza after the war, rather than on the war.
« 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 Patriarchate said in the statement.
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.
In its statement the patriarchate reiterated its call for the day of prayer for peace declared by Pope Leo XIV on Oct. 11.
