Gaza, December 2023 | Photo by Tasnim News Agency

The Society of Jesus condemns the ongoing violence in Gaza and surrounding territories in Israel/Palestine. Standing in solidarity with numerous Catholics, Christians, people of diverse faiths, and non-believers, we reiterate our commitment “not to remain silent”.

A statement issued by our Rome headquarters on Good Friday, 29 March, laments the staggering human loss of the conflict. Thousands of lives have been lost, with countless more injured, displaced, and facing starvation and illness since the war’s escalation in October.

Massive Israeli bombardments and a ground offensive have left the Gaze Strip in ruins. The aftermath is a humanitarian crisis marked by famine and disease.

“It is scandalous that no one has been able to ensure that the residents of Gaza have enough to eat. It is shameful that no one has been able to call the warmongers to account. Sadly, we remember that an ongoing conflict in the land called to be holy has been allowed to continue and fester as an open wound on the face of the Middle East,” the statement declares.

Drawing upon our longstanding engagement in the Middle East, we emphasise that the current path of destruction is not inevitable. We reject the narratives of death, vengeance, and self-interest, advocating instead for reconciliation, justice, and dialogue.

We join Pope Francis, who has unequivocally labelled war a defeat. We echo his call for an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages, and earnest negotiations aimed at fostering freedom, liberty, and justice for all. This is the only viable pathway to genuine and lasting peace in the Middle East.

Recently, Jesuit Mission Australia and the Xavier Network, who are involved in responding to humanitarian crises around the world, have jointly expressed their support for the statement issued by the Society of Jesus.

Related story: We take the side of peace

This story was updated on 9 April 2024