Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem calls for calm after recent violence

The violence of recent days has raised fears of a general conflagration in the region. The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem has appealed for calm and asked the Israeli and Palestinian authorities to resume negotiations..

Statement – 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.

Rev. Fr. Imad Twal

Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem