Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens: “We unify our voices to end hostilities and initiate discussions for lasting peace”
His Beatitude Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens and All Greece expressed his profound shock at the distressing situation in Gaza during his meeting with Palestine’s Ambassador to Greece, Mr. Yussef Dorkhom, reiterating the urgent need to cease hostilities and commence dialogue.
Mr. Yussef Dorkhom highlighted the dire circumstances in Gaza, lamenting the loss of 12,000 lives, including over 5,000 children and more than 4,000 mothers. He reported that the Israeli army bombed a hospital yesterday and, therefore, they couldn’t communicate with anyone. He emphasised that half of Gaza’s hospitals lie in ruins, leaving 2.5 million Palestinians without access to crucial medical care.
The Ambassador condemned attacks on civilian spaces like hospitals, churches, and mosques, stressing the imperative need to protect children amidst the ongoing conflict. He mentioned Greece’s dispatch of essential materials to Egypt for transfer to Gaza, revealing the obstruction imposed by Israel on this humanitarian aid.
Expressing his shock at the situation, Archbishop Ieronymos reiterated the urgent call for an immediate halt to the war and the safe return of hostages to their homes. He referenced recent discussions with representatives of abducted Israeli families in Gaza and meetings with professors from the University of Religions and Denominations in Iran, highlighting the joint statements issued advocating for peace and dialogue.
The Archbishop underscored the inherent right to life for children and civilians, emphasising, “As religious leaders, we unify our voices to end hostilities and initiate discussions for lasting peace. We’re actively working to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza.” He reiterated his sorrow over the Gaza situation and assured the Ambassador of his dedicated efforts to promote peace across the broader region.
The Ambassador also asked the Archbishop to meet with the Greeks originating from Palestine, who have suffered losses in Gaza, and those recently released from captivity.
Photos: Christos Bonis, Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
Source: Church of Greece
