The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem has welcomed the announcement of an agreement to stop attacks on the Gaza Strip and ensure the immediate release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, describing it as a first step “that can pave the way to the end of this tragic war.”
In one declaration Released today, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa welcomed the news “with joy” and called for the full and sincere implementation of the agreement, underlining “the urgent need to deliver humanitarian aid without conditions to the people of Gaza, who endure catastrophic living conditions.”
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Pizzaballa noted that the announcement represents “a first step and an initial stage.” He also emphasized that the road ahead remains long, “but, for now, we must rejoice in this important step, which can restore some confidence in the future and offer renewed hope, especially for the Palestinian and Israeli people.”
And he added: “We hope that this is just the beginning of a new phase in which we begin to think, little by little, not about war, but about how to rebuild.”
The agreement comes after mediation efforts by Americans, Egyptians and Qataris. US President Donald Trump advertisement early Thursday, through his Truth Social platform, that a temporary ceasefire had been reached that includes the mutual release of hostages and the unrestricted entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza.
The patriarchate, in the statement, called on everyone to join the Day of Prayer for Peace called by Pope Leo XIV, which will take place on October 11.
Translated and adapted by the ACI Prensa team. Originally published in ACI MENA.
Sanad Sahelia
Sanad Sahelia is a freelance journalist for ACI Mena and covers Christian communities and their issues in Palestine and the Holy Land. He has been working for different media for more than 26 years.