Dr. Ramzi Khouri, Member of the PLO Executive Committee and Head of the Higher Presidential Committee for Churches Affairs in Palestine stated that the crimes of the Israeli occupation against the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip, carried out by tanks and warplanes prove that we are facing a fascist, extremist and ruthless regime with the goal of eradicating the Palestinian presence, through indiscriminate bombardment of all aspects of live, including infrastructure hospitals, houses of worship, schools, institutions and homes. This has resulted in the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians, largely ignored by the international community, which turns a blind eye to Israel’s violations of international law and legitimacy
In a statement from the Higher Presidential Committee for Churches Affairs in Palestine, it emphasized that Israeli killing machine has killed more than 11,000 Palestinians, 70% of them being women and children. The Committee calls upon world leaders and international organizations to full their moral and legal responsibilities and force Israel to end this aggression. It highlights that hundreds of thousands have become homeless, due to the destruction of their homes by Israeli bombardment, sick Palestinians in need of urgent medical care, such as those with chronic diseases and cancer patients, who face a lack medical supplies due to prevention of aid from entering Gaza.
This crisis is exacerbated by shortage of drinkable water, insufficient food supplies, power outages, communications disruptions, and fuel shortages, posing a serious threat to hospitals, especially intensive care units. Urgent intervention is required to prevent a catastrophe in Gaza’s hospitals, which besieged and bombarded by Israeli warplanes killing patients, medical staff, and displaced individuals.
The statement praised the position of His Holiness Pope Francis, who called for an immediate ceasefire and the protection of civilians. It also highlights the positive role played by the patriarchs and heads of churches in Jerusalem, along with global partners, in pressuring for an end to aggression against the Palestinian people in Gaza, the West Bank and Jerusalem. This should be the guiding principle for those advocating truth and peace, aligning with the message brough by Jesus Christ, to lift the oppression faced by the Palestinian people and halt the ongoing genocide and forced displacement.
Dr. Khouri also commended the decision of the patriarchs and heads of churches in Jerusalem to limit Christmas celebrations to religious rituals and ceremonies. He acknowledges the churches’ call to gather donations to support and strengthen the resilience of the Palestinian people.
