The accord, rooted in a 20-point plan unveiled by the U.S. President last week, signals a potential turning point in a conflict that has exacted a devastating toll on both Palestinians and Israelis
Newsroom (09/10/2025, Gaudium Press ) In a region long scarred by conflict, a flicker of hope emerged this week with the announcement of an agreement between Israel and Hamas, aimed at halting hostilities in the Gaza Strip and securing the release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners. The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, led by Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, greeted the news with cautious optimism, describing it as a “necessary first step” toward healing and reconciliation for a people weary of war. The accord, rooted in a 20-point plan unveiled by the U.S. President last week, signals a potential turning point in a conflict that has exacted a devastating toll on both Palestinians and Israelis.
A Moment of Relief Amid Years of Torment
In a statement released on Thursday, the Latin Patriarchate expressed its “ardent hope” that the agreement would be “fully and faithfully implemented,” marking the beginning of the end of a war that has ravaged Gaza for over two years. The accord’s first phase reportedly includes a partial withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza and the release of all remaining hostages held by Hamas, alongside Palestinian prisoners. The Patriarchate underscored the “absolute urgency” of ensuring humanitarian relief reaches Gaza’s suffering population, calling for the “unconditional entry of sufficient aid” to address the dire needs of civilians caught in the crossfire.
Speaking to Vatican News, Cardinal Pizzaballa described the agreement as “good news” and a “relief” for a region battered by relentless violence. “Finally, some good news after two years of torment for everyone,” he said, his voice carrying the weight of a shepherd who has witnessed the anguish of his flock. Yet, the Cardinal tempered his optimism with pragmatism, acknowledging that the road to lasting peace remains fraught with challenges. “We know that the road ahead is still long. There will be many obstacles; it will not be easy,” he said. “But it was a necessary first step that brings an atmosphere of trust and even a smile to many families, both in Israel and Palestine, and especially in Gaza.”
A Fragile Step Toward an Uncertain Future
The agreement, brokered through tireless diplomatic efforts, represents a rare moment of convergence in a conflict marked by deep divisions. The Patriarchate commended the negotiators for their perseverance, expressing gratitude for “their tireless efforts in making this step possible.” Yet, the path forward is far from clear. When pressed about potential challenges in implementing the accord, Cardinal Pizzaballa acknowledged the complexities that lie ahead. “There will be difficulties regarding what comes next and how it will be managed,” he said. “But if they have overcome this, then if there is the will, they can overcome the others too.”
The Cardinal’s words reflect a sobering reality: while the agreement marks a significant milestone, it is but the first phase in a long and arduous process. The cessation of hostilities and the exchange of hostages and prisoners are critical steps, but they do not address the deeper structural and political issues that have fueled the conflict for decades. “It may be too early to speak of peace,” Pizzaballa cautioned, urging a focus on ending military operations and laying the groundwork for a broader vision of coexistence. “For now, our duty is to work for the end of military hostilities and begin to elaborate a perspective not only for Gaza, but for the entire Palestinian people.”
Rebuilding Lives, Not Just Structures
Beyond the immediate cessation of violence, Cardinal Pizzaballa emphasized the need to address the profound human toll of the conflict. The war has left Gaza’s infrastructure in ruins, with homes, schools, and hospitals reduced to rubble. Yet, the devastation extends far beyond the physical. The social and psychological fabric of communities—both Palestinian and Israeli—has been torn apart, leaving wounds that will take generations to heal. “We must help in rebuilding not only the structures, but also the human devastation this war has created,” Pizzaballa said.
The Latin Patriarchate, which has long served as a beacon of hope for the region’s Christian communities, pledged to continue its mission of accompaniment and support. “Nothing more than what we are already doing,” Pizzaballa noted, “supporting our community, helping, and facilitating everything that can bring greater serenity to the people of Gaza, to the Palestinians, and also to the Israelis.” This commitment reflects the Patriarchate’s longstanding role as a bridge between communities, offering not only material aid but also spiritual solace in a region where despair often overshadows hope.
A Call to Prayer and Solidarity
In a gesture of unity, the Patriarchate renewed its invitation to participate in a Day of Prayer for Peace, proclaimed by Pope Leo XIV for October 11. The call to prayer underscores the spiritual dimension of the Patriarchate’s mission, which seeks to foster reconciliation not through political maneuvering but through the shared humanity of those affected by the conflict. For Cardinal Pizzaballa, this moment is not only about ceasefires and negotiations but about restoring dignity to a people battered by loss.
As the world watches this fragile agreement unfold, the Latin Patriarchate’s message resonates with a quiet urgency: peace is possible, but it requires courage, commitment, and a willingness to see the humanity in the other. For now, the agreement stands as a tentative step toward a future where trust might replace fear, and smiles might return to families long burdened by grief. “There is still much work to do,” Pizzaballa said, his words a reminder that hope, though hard-won, is a flame worth tending.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Vatican News
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