RAMALLAH, October 12, 2025 (WAFA) - Member of the PLO Executive Committee and Head of the Higher Presidential Committee for Church Affairs in Palestine, Ramzi Khouri, met today with His Beatitude Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, at the Latin Patriarchal Vicariate in Amman.

The meeting was attended by Father Imad Alamat, Father Davide Meli, Committee Member Samir Hazboun, and Raed Hanania, Director of Public Relations and Media at the Committee.

Discussions centered on the importance of safeguarding the authentic Christian presence in the Holy Land and enhancing the role of Churches in supporting and serving the Palestinian people.

Khouri and Cardinal Pizzaballa underscored the need for closer coordination between national and church institutions to confront the grave challenges facing Palestinians today, ensuring that the Christian presence continues to thrive as an integral component of the Palestinian national identity.

The talks also addressed the deteriorating and catastrophic humanitarian situation across the occupied Palestinian territory – particularly in Gaza, which continues to endure the aftermath of a devastating genocide; in the West Bank, which faces escalating daily Israeli attacks; and in Jerusalem, where systematic policies seek to alter the city’s character and undermine its religious and historical rights.

Both sides called for urgent international intervention to halt these violations, protect civilians, and safeguard all places of worship.

The meeting forms part of the Committee’s ongoing efforts to strengthen cooperation and partnership with church leaders in pursuit of justice, peace, and the protection of all segments of the Palestinian people.

T.R.