The Higher Presidential Committee for Church Affairs in Palestine commends the growing international efforts to end the genocidal war on Gaza, lift the unjust blockade, put an end to the systematic violations in the West Bank, and support the recognition of a fully sovereign State of Palestine, in accordance with international law and human rights conventions.
*Statement from the Faculty of the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru*
*For Peace and the Sanctity of Life in Gaza and the West Bank*
The Gaza Strip – home to the largest concentration of Palestinians in history – has endured more than 600 days of relentless bombardment, killing, and the forced displacement of over one million people. This unprecedented crisis marks a tragic chapter in its history and constitutes a systematic violation of the fundamental human rights of the Palestinian people.
According to verified United Nations statistics, more than 15,000 children have been killed as a result of continued Israeli military assaults targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure, including schools, mosques, churches, hospitals, and more.
Governments, civil society organizations, and leaders within the Catholic Church have denounced this unfolding genocide – the first in history to be committed so openly, in full view of the world. The situation worsens with each passing day. The Israeli far-right has emerged as the principal threat to the Jewish people, both in Israel and around the world. It is time to stop and give peace a chance. A just and lasting peace is essential to building the foundations for dignified coexistence between Palestinians, whether in Gaza, the West Bank, or East Jerusalem, and the Israeli people.
In light of this, we, the undersigned faculty members of the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru, urgently call for:
1. The immediate and unconditional delivery of humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people in Gaza. The use of starvation as a weapon of war constitutes a war crime.
2. An immediate end to all military aggression against Palestinian civilians in Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem, as well as in Israeli territory.
3. The immediate release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas.
4. Swift international action to secure a lasting peace agreement between the Palestinian and Israeli peoples.
5. A complete halt to the construction of Israeli settlements in the Palestinian territories. The United Nations Security Council resolutions have declared Israeli occupation illegal under international law, and the International Court of Justice reaffirmed this position in 2024.
6. Recognition of the State of Palestine by the international community.
With utmost respect and appreciation.
