Patriarchs and heads of churches in Jerusalem said on Monday that hundreds of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip are still being killed or injured despite the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas coming into effect.
Israel has repeatedly violated the agreement that came into effect on October 10, killing and injuring hundreds of Palestinian civilians, in addition to violating the humanitarian protocol related to humanitarian aid.
The agreement ended a genocide war launched by Israel on October 8, 2023, which lasted for two years, leaving about 71,000 Palestinian dead, more than 171,000 injured, and massive destruction affecting 90% of the civilian infrastructure, with reconstruction costs estimated by the United Nations at about $70 billion.
The patriarchs added in a Christmas message: "We rejoice this year because a ceasefire (in Gaza) has allowed many of our flock to celebrate Christmas joys more broadly."
They continued: "Despite the announcement of a cessation of hostilities, hundreds (of Palestinians) are still being killed or suffering serious injuries, and a larger number may have been subjected to violent assaults affecting their persons, property, and freedoms."
They added: "We continue to stand sincerely alongside all those suffering and broken-hearted, and we call on Christians and all people of good will in the world to persevere in prayer and work for a true and just peace."
Christian denominations that follow the Western calendar celebrate Christmas at midnight on December 24-25, while denominations that follow the Eastern calendar celebrate it on January 7 each year.
Despite the announcement of a cessation of hostilities, hundreds (of Palestinians) are still being killed or suffering serious injuries, and a larger number may have been subjected to violent assaults affecting their persons, property, and freedoms.
شارك برأيك
Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem: Hundreds of Palestinians Killed and Injured Despite Ceasefire