Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem appeals for calm

The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem has appealed for calm after months of escalating violence driven by the Israeli far-right and Jewish zealots on one side, and frustrated young Palestinians on the other, boiled over into clashes and lethal attacks.

The Patriarch writes: Once again, embers of despair, stirred by hatred, leave a heavy impact on this injured Holy Land.

Heavily concerned with the more recent wave of violence which blows over Israel and Palestine, the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem condemns the bloody incidents of these last days and the frightening escalation which they are likely to bring about. We send forth with force and insistence a call for calm. The seriousness of the situation calls for all parties involved, Israeli and Palestinians, to show evidence of courage and to go back to the table of negotiations, which should run on solid and fair grounds, according to parameters of resolutions prescribed by UN.

We cannot tolerate that hatred and bloodshed act as force of law on this Land with three holy religions.

We urge with insistence for prayers by all faithful, for the sake of the Holy Land, its people, and for Jerusalem, City of Peace.

Source: Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem