Church leaders in Holy Land call for de-escalation, respect for human rights

Following an attack by the militant group Hamas on Israel on Saturday and Israel's military retaliation, church leaders in the Holy Land are raising their voices in unity to call for a cessation of all violent and military activities that bring harm to both Palestinian and Israeli civilians. 

“The Holy Land, a place sacred to countless millions around the world, is currently mired in violence and suffering due to the prolonged political conflict and the lamentable absence of justice and respect for human rights,” reads a statement from the patriarchs and heads of churches in Jerusalem, released Sunday.

The statement unequivocally condemns any acts that target civilians, regardless of their nationality, ethnicity, or faith.