JERUSALEM, Monday, August 26, 2024 (WAFA) - The Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem expressed once again their deep concern over the dire direction of the ongoing Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip.

In a statement, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem stressed: "For despite repeated calls for the de-escalation of violence from ourselves and the international community, the situation in our beloved Holy Land has only continued to deteriorate."

"Millions of refugees remain displaced, their homes inaccessible, destroyed, or beyond repair. Hundreds of innocents are weekly killed or severely wounded by indiscriminate attacks. Countless others continue to endure hunger, thirst, and infectious disease," stressed the statement.

The Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem said: "Throughout this all, ceasefire negotiations have dragged on interminably, with the leaders of the warring parties seemingly more concerned with political considerations than bringing an end to the pursuit of death and destruction. These repeated delays, coupled with other provocative acts, have only served to heighten tensions to the point where we stand at the precipice of a full-blown regional war."

The Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem once again implored the leaders of the warring parties to heed their calls and those of the international community (UNSC Resolution 2735) to reach a rapid agreement for a ceasefire.

The statement called upon the leaders of these peoples, in concert with the international community, to take up without delay diplomatic discussions addressing longstanding grievances between them, leading to concrete steps that promote a just and lasting peace in our region through the adoption of an internationally legitimate two-state solution.

The statement also expressed special concern for those Christian communities in the Strip, pledging continued support both now and at the conclusion of the war.

T.R.