WASHINGTON – Bishop A. Elias Zaidan of the Maronite Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon, has expressed his solidarity with the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem in condemning the targeting of civilians. The Latin Patriarchate released a statement expressing grave concern over news of raids that were launched at the Sacred Family School in Gaza, which also reportedly included civilian casualties and destruction.

“The Sacred Family School has been a place of refuge for hundreds of civilians, and I join the Latin Patriarchate in condemning any targeting of civilians in the Sacred Family School in Gaza. I urge in strongest terms that civilians remain outside the sphere of combat, while also praying for peace and an immediate end to hostilities,” Bishop Zaidan said as chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on International Justice and Peace.