Israel continues to kill hundreds in Gaza despite ceasefire: Jerusalem church leaders

By Abdel Raouf Arnaout and Betul Yilmaz

JERUSALEM / ISTANBUL (AA) – The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem said Monday that hundreds of Palestinians have been killed in Gaza in Israeli attacks despite a ceasefire that came into force on Oct. 10.

The patriarchs and heads of churches in Jerusalem said in a Christmas message that the ceasefire has allowed many Christian communities to “more publicly celebrate the joys of Christmas” this year.

“Despite a declared cessation of hostilities, hundreds have continued to be killed or suffer grievous injury,” they added.

“Many more have experienced violent assaults against themselves, their properties, and their freedoms—not only in the Holy Land, but also in neighboring countries.”

The church leaders expressed solidarity with “all those who are suffering and downcast” and called for advocating for “a true and just peace” in Palestine and in the world.

The Israeli army has committed hundreds of ceasefire violations in the Gaza Strip, resulting in the death of 405 Palestinians and the injury of 1,115 others.

The Israeli army has killed nearly 71,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured over 171,000 others in attacks in Gaza since October 2023.