WASHINGTON – The negotiations of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, and the ongoing release of hostages were commended as an “encouraging sign of peace” by Bishop A. Elias Zaidan of the Maronite Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on International Justice and Peace.

“At the beginning of this Jubilee Year, it is with great hope that I receive the news of a negotiated ceasefire between Israel and Hamas and the ongoing release of hostages and prisoners. This is an encouraging sign of peace for a region that has seen far too much bloodshed and destruction. I pray that this peace can take firm and lasting root in the Middle East, and I renew my gratitude for the crucial, peacebuilding role that the United States has played in this ceasefire and hostage release.”

“May we continue forward with what Pope Francis calls a ‘diplomacy of hope’ based on truth, forgiveness, freedom, and justice, ‘so that the dense clouds of war may be swept away by renewed winds of peace.’ This signal of peace can be a beacon of real hope for the Middle East and all regions of the world suffering from war.”

“Since the start of the crisis, the Church, through Catholic Relief Services and its local partners, has played a key role in providing food, cash assistance, shelter, sanitation, and emotional and social support to displaced communities. We pray that the ceasefire will allow the Church to reach even more vulnerable people. Let us continue to pray for a sustainable and lasting peace in the region and the world.”