Roman Catholic bishops gathered in Jerusalem on Thursday pleaded for a "just resolution" of the Middle East conflict, with Palestinians getting a viable own state and Israel enjoying security. "For us, this is not merely about politics, it is an issue of basic human rights," the Holy Land Co-ordination made up of bishops from Europe and North America said in a statement.
They urged the faithful "to support public officials who take courageous initiatives for a just resolution of the conflict - a two-state solution with security and recognition for Israel, and a viable and independent state for Palestinians." But the statement, signed by 10 bishops, painted a grim picture of the current situation in the conflictive region. Eight months after Pope Benedict XVI made an impassioned plea for the creation of a sovereign Palestinian homeland "a two-state solution does not seem any closer," they said.
"Violence, insecurity, home demolitions, permit and visa problems, the route of the wall, expropriation of lands and other policies threaten both a two-state solution and the Christian presence." Yet, despite "the wounds of this land, love and hope are alive," they said, adding that "peace with justice is within reach."