Interfaith Leaders Unite with King of Jordan for Ceasefire and Shared Peace in Jerusalem

OCP News Service – 23/12/2023

Jerusalem-Holy Land: In a powerful display of unity, religious leaders from Jerusalem and Jordan joined forces with King Abdullah II of Jordan at the Al-Husseiniya Palace, raising their voices for an immediate ceasefire and the end of the cycle of violence engulfing the region.

The meeting, held on Wednesday, December 20th, saw His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos III, along with Sheikh Azzam Al-Khatib, Head of the Muslim Waqf, lead a delegation of religious figures representing both Jordan and Jerusalem. King Abdullah II of Jordan reiterated the Hashemite Kingdom’s firm and unwavering stance on the Palestinian issue, condemning the aggression against Gaza and emphasizing the need for unity in defending Jerusalem’s Islamic and Christian holy sites.

The King expressed his outrage at the targeting of mosques and churches in Gaza, highlighting the presence of countless civilians seeking refuge within. He warned of the dire humanitarian consequences of the Israeli military assault and urged immediate action to address the escalating crisis.

Patriarch Theophilos praised the Hashemite Custodianship of Jerusalem’s holy sites and lauded King Abdullah II’s tireless efforts to preserve the historical and legal status quo in the Holy City. He stressed the importance of safeguarding the centuries-old Muslim-Christian coexistence in the Holy Land and pointed to the significant progress made in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre’s ongoing restoration project, undertaken within the Hashemite reconstruction initiative.

With the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepening by the day, Patriarch Theophilos emphasized the urgent need for a ceasefire to alleviate the suffering of innocent civilians and enable the delivery of critical aid. He further called for an end to the cycle of violence, urging a shift towards shared values and aspirations to build a future where Palestinians can live with dignity alongside other peoples.

As Christmas approaches, King Abdullah II expressed concern about potential restrictions on Christian access to Bethlehem for Christmas services. He assured the delegation that Jordan would work with the international community to ensure Christians could practice their faith freely and with the dignity they deserve.

The meeting also saw participation from prominent figures, including Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah, Prince Ghazi bin Mohammed, and Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem. Each delivered passionate pleas for peace, international intervention, and respect for the rights and freedom of worship of all faiths in Jerusalem.

This interfaith gathering at the Al-Husseiniya Palace signifies a powerful statement of solidarity and hope. It demonstrates the shared desire for peace and the critical role of religious leaders in advocating for its realization. As the Holy Land prepares for the Christmas season, the message of unity and compassion resonates beyond borders, calling for an end to conflict and the dawn of a future where dialogue, not violence, prevails.

This news summary condenses the key points of the original text while maintaining its central message of interfaith unity for peace. It highlights the urgent calls for a ceasefire, the protection of holy sites and freedom of worship, and the importance of international intervention in the pursuit of a lasting peace in Jerusalem. You can further tailor this report to your specific audience by adding specific quotes or focusing on particular aspects of the meeting.

Source:

OCP News Service