Catholic patriarch urges end to Israeli Palestinian violence
Date
12/16/2015 12:08:10 PM
(MENAFN- The Peninsula) Fouad Twal
Jerusalem: The head of the Roman Catholic Church in the Holy Land called Wednesday in his Christmas message for Israel and the Palestinians to halt a wave of deadly violence while denouncing extremist attacks worldwide.
Fouad Twal the Latin patriarch of Jerusalem said the situation necessitated "moderate celebrations" as Bethlehem the city neighbouring Jerusalem where biblical tradition says Jesus Christ was born prepared for its Christmas events.
"We are tired of this conflict as we see the Holy Land sullied with blood" the Jordanian patriarch said.
"Each of the two peoples of the Holy Land Israelis and Palestinians have the right to dignity to an independent state and sustainable security."
He also denounced violence in other parts of the world saying "a deadly ideology based on religious fanaticism and obstinacy is spreading terror and barbarism amidst innocent people."
"Yesterday it was Lebanon France Russia the United States; but war has been raging for years in Iraq and Syria" he said.
He said "we invite every parish to switch off Christmas tree lights for five minutes in solidarity with all victims of violence and terrorism. Similarly our Christmas mass will be offered for the victims and their families."
A wave of violence since October 1 has killed 119 on the Palestinian side 17 Israelis an American and an Eritrean.
Many of the Palestinians killed have been attackers while others have been shot dead by Israeli security forces during clashes.
Each year for Christmas pilgrims from across the world flock to Bethlehem located in the occupied West Bank and cut off from Jerusalem by Israel's separation wall.
The recent violence has however led to a large number of cancellations for this year's celebrations.
AFP