Member of the PLO Executive Committee and Head of the Higher Presidential Committee for Church Affairs in Palestine, Dr. Ramzi Khouri, met separately with Archbishop Martin Modeus of the Church of Sweden and Bishop Andreas Holmberg of Stockholm, during an official visit to Sweden.
In addition, Khouri held separate meetings with member of the Social Democratic Party and former minister of defense of Sweden, Peter Hultqvist, Special Envoy to OIC and for interreligious and intercultural dialogue at the ministry of foreign affairs, Ulrika Sundberg, MP of the Social Democratic Party, Daniel Vencu Velasquez Castro, and members of the Christian Council and the Ecumenical Accompaniment Program
This visit is part of the Higher Presidential Committee for Church Affairs in Palestine’s effort to garner support for the Palestinian cause, recognizing the significant influence wielded by churches in shaping government policies.
The deliberations highlighted the plight endured by the Palestinian people for over 76 years since the Nakba, which has been exacerbated by Israel’s prolonged occupation and relentless genocidal campaign in Gaza. The discussion emphasized the Palestinian people’s persistent of struggle for justice, self-determination, and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state in accordance with international law. Khouri, underscored the unwavering determination of the Palestinian people, led by president Mahmoud Abbas, in their pursuit for peace based on ending the Israeli occupation, thereby fostering regional security and stability. However, Israeli policies of settlement expansions and systematic aggression against the Palestinian people continue to impede and thwart these aspirations.
Khouri also issued a stark warning regarding the dire situation unfolding in the Gaza Strip, where protracted Israeli genocide spanning over seven months has claimed the lives of thousands of Palestinians. He further spoke about the deteriorating conditions across the West Bank, including Jerusalem, citing escalating acts of aggression by extremists settlers targeting individuals, properties and Muslim and Christian holy sites. Additionally, he pointed out to the daily incursions by Israeli occupation forces into Palestinian urban centers.
Throughout the engagements, Dr. Khouri called for the consistent application of universal standards to ensure justice and for immediate actions to end the bloodshed of the Palestinian people in Gaza. He urged for unimpeded access for humanitarian aid and a return to peaceful resolutions that uphold the principles of justice, as enshrined in UN resolutions and pertinent international conventions.
Amidst these dialogues, consensus emerged on the imperative of upholding international law. Archbishop Modeus underscored the pivotal role of the Church in championing justice and peace, pushing for a ceasefire in Gaza. He reiterated the Church’s steadfast commitment to peace-building and ending war.
Khouri was accompanied by members of the Higher Presidential Committee for Church Affairs in Palestine, Amira Hanania and Dr. Omar Awadallah and Palestine’s ambassador to Sweden Rula Almhaissen.
