By Matters India Reporter
New Delhi, Oct 13, 2023: The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) has expressed deep sorrow at the loss of lives and the sufferings caused by the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine.
The CBCI stands in solidarity with all the affected families, says a press statement issued by the conference’s public relations officer, Father Robinson Rodrigues.
The statement quotes CBCI president Archbishop Andrews Thazhath, as saying, “Innocent lives have been lost on both sides, leaving a mark of pain and suffering. It is our fervent hope that both nations can come together to find a peaceful resolution. May Almighty God inspire the leadership of Israel and Palestine to prioritize peace and dialogue over violence. ”
Archbishop Felix Machado, CBCI secretary general, said, “As people of faith, we believe in the power of prayer. We call upon all our fellow citizens to join us in praying for the safety of all, especially our Indian brothers and sisters living in the affected region, and for an enduring peace that will bring an end to this conflict.”
In these trying times, the CBCI stands in solidarity with the victims of the Israel-Palestine conflict and extends its prayers and support to those affected. “Let us unite in prayer for peace, reconciliation, and the well-being of all individuals in the region,” the statement of the CBCI, the apex body of the Catholic Church in India, “dedicated to promoting unity, social welfare, and moral values in society.”
The Israel–Hamas war, an ongoing military conflict between Israel and Palestinian militant groups led by Hamas, began on October 7 when militants invaded Israel from the Gaza Strip.
The attack began with a rocket barrage of at least 3,000 rockets against Israel. In parallel, approximately 2,500 Palestinian militants breached the Gaza–Israel barrier, attacking military bases and massacring civilians in neighboring Israeli communities.
At least 1,300 Israelis were killed, including 260 people who were massacred at a music festival. Unarmed civilian hostages and captured Israeli soldiers were also taken to the Gaza Strip.
The surprise attack was met with an Israeli counteroffensive, and Israel formally declared war on Hamas a day later. After clearing Hamas forces from affected areas, Israel responded with airstrikes in the Gaza Strip, which killed more than 2,215 Palestinians as on October 14.
The United Nations reported that around 423,000 Palestinians, more than a fifth of the population of Gaza, have been internally displaced. Fears of a humanitarian crisis were heightened after Israel cut off food, water, electricity, and fuel supplies to Gaza, which had already been blockaded by both Egypt and Israel, and ordered the evacuation of 1.1 million Gazans.