Irish Bishops call for courageous world leadership to end Israel/Hamas war

Mass in Holy Family Church, Gaza, 2016 (CCO archive)

Source: Catholic Communications Office

The Bishops of Ireland have asked for prayers for all people affected by the Israel/Hamas war, for the release of hostages, for humanitarian workers and for first responders. Bishops reiterated the words of Pope Francis that this war is a "catastrophe for humanity."

Bishops said: "we renew our call for an immediate cessation to the Israel/Hamas war in Gaza. As well as the innocent population affected by this conflict, we are asking people of faith to pray for the safety of staff of humanitarian agencies who, in their life-saving work, must be allowed unhindered access to deliver vital aid into Gaza to prevent further deaths by starvation and malnutrition."

Bishops noted data from Trócaire that lays bare this catastrophe for humanity: with more than 37,000 people killed to date; including more than 15,000 children; more than 83,000 people injured; over 10,000 civilians trapped under rubble; and with recovery operations hindered by resource shortages that can take up to six years with the current tools. Trócaire continues to provide support to sister agency Caritas Jerusalem, Medical Aid for Palestinians, through local Palestinian partners based in the Gaza Strip, the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights, Women's Affairs Centre, and the Gaza Community Mental Health programme.

The Bishops concluded: "this war is an attack on all of humanity. When people are deprived of basic human dignity and of necessary humanitarian aid, we are all made poorer. Efforts by the United Nations to address the humanitarian crisis are welcome. But, the people of the Holy Land - and around the globe - need clear and courageous leadership from world leaders. Who is prepared to put the plight of people and the dignity of every human person as the overriding priority in bringing this outrage to an end? In the words of Pope Francis during his Angelus address on 2 June, 'it takes courage to make peace, far more courage than to wage war.' Let us pray that leaders will show courage now at this vital moment."