Bells across Palestine, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon rang in mourning Palestinian martyrs, particularly those killed in Gaza by Israeli bombardment. Churches came together in a solemn Prayer to mourn the martyrs of Gaza and to pray for peace.
In jerusalem, Patriarch Theophilos III presided over a mass at the Church of Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem, mourning the martyrs of the Church of St. Porphyrius. Father Francesco Patton, Custos of the Holy Land, was in attendance, joining this ceremony.
In Amman, Member of the PLO Executive Committee and Head of the Higher Presidential Committee for Churches Affairs in Palestine, Dr. Khouri attended a mass headed by the Greek Orthodox Archbishop of Jordan, Christophoros Atallah at the Cathedral of the Hypapante of the Lord. Also, present was Palestinian Ambassador to Jordan Atallah Khairi.
During his address, Archbisop Atallah praised the roles of His Majesty King Abdullah of Jordan and President Mahmoud Abbas in safeguarding holy sites and tireless efforts striving to end the catastrophe in besieged Gaza.
He highlighted the dire conditions prevailing in Gaza, where basic living conditions, such as water, food, electricity and fuel have become scarce. He added the Palestinian people are subjected to the worst type of atrocities.
Archbishop Atallah expressed deep sorrow regarding the 17 Palestinian Christians who were killed by an Israeli airstrike in the vicinity of the St. Prephyouis Church in Gaza in addition to the thousands innocent Palestinian civilians in Gaza . He wished for the Palestinian people to live in peace, security, stability and freedom and attain their inalienable rights to an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital, where all Muslim and Christian holy sites are protected.
He also deplored the double standards employed by the international community concerning the situation in Palestine, which he believed had a negative impact on universal human values.
Lastly, Archbishop Atallah extended his condolences to the Palestinian leadership and the families of Palestinian martyrs, while also wishing the wounded a speedy recovery, and called for an end to this unjust and brutal war.
