US bishops call for Gaza ceasefire, humanitarian relief

January 05, 2009

Bishop Howard Hubbard, Chairman of the Committee on International Justice and Peace of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, has urged Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice “to take immediate action to help end the escalation of violence between Hamas and Israel. The rocket attacks on Israel must be stopped, and Israel's military attacks on Gaza halted. Our Conference believes that more than words are needed. We ask you to urge the President to send a high level personal representative to the region immediately to help negotiate a ceasefire and make provision for humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza.” “It is tragic that innocent civilians are once again the victims of armed conflict and a humanitarian crisis,” Bishop Hubbard continued. “A ceasefire and humanitarian relief are indispensable initial steps on the road to a two-state solution-- a secure Israel living in peace with a viable Palestinian state-- with justice and peace for both peoples.”

 

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Further information:

• Bishop Hubbard Writes to Secretary of State to Urge Action on Gaza Violence (USCCB)
• Israel pounds Hamas, but rocket fire continues (CNN)