AMRI: A Call for Peace in Gaza and the Middle East

 

“Pursue peace with all…” Hebrews 12:14

The Association of Leaders of Missionaries and Religious of Ireland (AMRI), echo the words of Pope Francis in calling “for an immediate halt to the weapons; and for the courage to resume dialogue, so that all hostages may be released and a final ceasefire reached” in Gaza. After many decades of violence and avoidable bloodshed in the region, it is critical to seek lasting pathways to sustained peace.

We stand in solidarity with all Christians and people of all faiths in positions of leadership, including the His Holiness Pope Francis and the World Council of Churches, and fully support peacemakers, such as Latin Cardinal Patriarch of Jerusalem in their calls for peacebuilding, freedom and justice for all humanity.

AMRI are horrified at the renewed mass bombardment by the Israeli government directed at Palestinian civilian populations and their critical social infrastructure. Targeted attacks towards already traumatised children, women and men is unconscionable, illegal and wrong. We are saddened at the orchestrated denial of basic essential needs and human dignity for the people of Gaza, the destruction to their critical infrastructure and the devastation to our Common Home. This reality makes return of Israeli hostages to their families ever more challenging.

We are equally disturbed by the increased violence in the West Bank by Israeli soldiers and settlers on Palestinian communities, including raids, home demolitions, destruction of olive groves, abductions and the killing and wounding of many children, women and men.

We appeal for justice and mercy in ensuring immediate access to basic human needs such as water, food, shelter and fuel for necessary medical assistance. We call on the Israeli government and Hamas to establish an immediate and lasting ceasefire and to work towards a dialogue focused on fairness, compassion and human dignity for all.

 

Ends.

For Media Enquires email communications@amri.ie

Gaza statement 2025 – A Call for Peace