On Sunday 19th January a historic ceasefire began in the Israel/Gaza conflict, bringing fifteen months of horror to an end. In the wake of this agreement, the Diocese of Jerusalem and The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem (LPJ) have released statements welcoming this news and urging the agreement to be upheld in the coming weeks.

The LPJ had the following to say:

"We are aware that the end of the war does not mean the end of the conflict. It is therefore necessary to seriously and credibly address the deep-rooted issues that have been at the root of this conflict for far too long. Genuine and lasting peace can only be achieved through a just solution that addresses the origin of this long-standing struggle. This requires a long process, a willingness to acknowledge each other's suffering and a focused education in trust that leads to overcoming fear of the other and the justification of violence as a political tool.

We pray that this ceasefire will bring a sense of serenity and relief to all. May this moment of calm allow all to find solace, rebuild their lives and regain hope for the future."

To read the statement in full, please follow this link.

The Diocese of Jerusalem meanwhile released the following statement:

"Having repeatedly called for such a negotiated outcome, the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem welcomes this ceasefire. Moreover, we appeal to fellow Christians and all those of goodwill to continue to advocate and pray not only for the adoption of the full agreement, but also for the region's leaders and people to invest as much of their political and financial capital towards peace building as they tragically have in waging warfare over these past many months-and in the decades preceding. Only through such a transformative change of hearts, we believe, can there emerge a just and lasting peace between the peoples of the Holy Land, as well as among all those living throughout the Middle East." 

To read the statement in full, please follow this link.