“We renew the call for the release of hostages and protection of civilian populations,” Malloy said.
“At the same time, we affirm continued efforts to allow humanitarian access, including corridors for those seeking safety, and urge Congress to provide support for relief efforts,” he said. “As Pope Francis reminds the world, ‘War is always a defeat; it is a destruction of human fraternity.’”
International aid groups and workers have been calling for major supply access to Gaza in order to deliver lifesaving material to civilians there, warning of a looming humanitarian disaster as drinking water supplies dwindle and medical supplies grow scarce.
Malloy in his statement said the bishops “continue to pray for the victims caught in this cycle of violence as well as the regional and international actors who are being drawn into the conflict.”
“We must not grow weary of offering our prayers and support for peace and justice for all concerned,” he said. “A lasting solution respecting the rights, needs, and aspirations of both Israelis and Palestinians remains essential to these ends.”
“As Christians, we look to Our Lord and unite our prayers to those of the Latin patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, who in his recent letter to his flock recalls the words of Christ: ‘In the world you will have tribulations, but take courage, I have conquered the world’ (Jn 16:33),” Malloy said.