Today I renew a forceful appeal both to the parties involved and to the international community, that an end be put to the conflict in the Holy Land, which has caused so much terror, destruction, and death.
I appeal that all hostages be freed, that a permanent ceasefire be reached, that the safe entry of humanitarian aid be facilitated, and that humanitarian law be fully respected, especially the obligation to protect civilians and the prohibitions against collective punishment, the indiscriminate use of force, and the forced displacement of populations.
I join the Joint Declaration of the Greek Orthodox and Latin Patriarchs of Jerusalem, who yesterday called for "an end to this spiral of violence, an end to the war, and for the common good of people to be put first."
Let us implore Mary, Queen of Peace, source of consolation and of hope. May her intercession obtain reconciliation and peace in that land so dear to us all!
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