Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem expressed hope for lasting peace and called for confronting challenges in the Holy Land

Patriarch Theophilus III of Jerusalem, head of the Council of Churches of the Holy Land, has expressed the hope that the recent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas will be a step towards a final and lasting peace. The statement was made during the annual Christmas and New Year’s reception organized by Israeli President Yitzhak Herzog, where representatives of all Christian communities in the Holy Land were present. The Patriarch also emphasized the importance of humanitarian aid, warned of the growing hostility of radical groups and expressed his commitment to the mission of peace and reconciliation.

According to The Jerusalem Post, Patriarch Theophilus said the Churches are praying that the cease-fire “will lead to a final and lasting peace that heals the wounds of October 7 and the Gaza war.” He emphasized the ongoing work of Christian communities in the Holy Land to provide humanitarian aid to all those in need, “especially children, women, the elderly, and the sick, wounded or traumatized.”

In this context, the Patriarch made special mention of children from Gaza suffering from cancer who are being treated at Augusta Victoria Hospital in Jerusalem, emphasizing the importance of the uninterrupted continuation of their medical care.

Turning to conditions in other parts of the Palestinian territories, Patriarch Theophilos III emphasized the need to pay more attention to the real and growing challenges facing local communities. He noted that “the growth and increasing hostility of radical groups in the West Bank and Jerusalem represent a real challenge,” adding that effective ways must be found so that neighboring communities can coexist with respect and security. He also warned that “we must not cease our efforts until we face the equally grave threat to us all that crime and violence in Israel’s northern communities are.”

Concluding his remarks, the Patriarch assured President Herzog that the Patriarchs and heads of Churches will remain steadfast in their spiritual mission as messengers of peace and reconciliation. He emphasized their commitment to work together with the President and with all those who place peace and the fight against all forms of anti-Semitism and Islamophobia above all other interests.

For his part, President Herzog expressed concern about the departure of young Christian families from Israel. “This is their place, just as it is mine and ours,” he said, emphasizing the need for Christian communities to feel welcome and safe in the country.

Recall that we reported earlier that Israeli authorities have imposed new rules on humanitarian organizations working in the Gaza Strip, effectively restricting the activities of 37 international structures, including a number of Christian ones. Human rights activists and church representatives warn that these requirements could jeopardize the lives of Palestinian employees, which is a matter of serious concern.