‘Enough … Stop the War!’ – that’s the message from Irish Catholic Bishops today as they condemn the violence in the Holy Land.
As Bishops meet on the second day of their Spring General Meeting in Maynooth, they are calling for an immediate end to the daily horror of killing, wounding and destruction of property in the Holy Land.
Former Bishop of Raphoe Alan McGuckian, who has moved to Down and Connor, is among those in attendance at the conference.
A joint statement from the bishops said: “As the Catholic Bishops of Ireland, we echo Pope Francis’ heartfelt appeal for a complete ceasefire in Gaza – ‘Enough, please! Let us all say it: enough…Stop!’
“We call on the Israeli government to comply with basic human and international standards in ensuring that Palestinians have full and unimpeded access to food, water and basic safety requirements. At the same time, we call on Hamas to release all hostages and to end missile attacks on Israel. Equally, the attacks on Palestinians in the West Bank, which do not command as much attention in the public sphere, are also to be condemned. What is happening in this region cannot be morally justified.”
The statement continues: “International efforts to secure a ceasefire are welcome. However, as the death toll continues to rise all possible pressure should be applied to prevail upon Israel to desist from military operations that impact so horrendously on innocent civilians. Equally, any international support for Hamas terrorism is utterly unacceptable.
“The international community has failed to vindicate the right of the Palestinian people to a safe homeland, with statehood and freedom of movement, as part of a two-state solution which recognises both Israel and Palestine.”
They urged people to continue praying and fasting for the intention of peace, adding “In the face of despair, we renew our prayers for a just and lasting peace that respects justice and the dignity of all peoples.”
