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Amman (Agenzia Fides) - Christians and Muslims must "stand united" in defending Holy Sites in Jerusalem, while the Hashemite Monarchy of Jordan will carry on with its role in safeguarding Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem. This was reaffirmed by King Abdullah II of Jordan during a meeting with religious leaders from Jerusalem and Jordan on Wednesday, December 20th.
During the meeting, which took place at Al-Husseiniya Palace, in Amman, many speeches referred to the ongoing war in Gaza and its devastating effects on the populations.
Council of Church Leaders President Archbishop Christoforos Atallah said that in Gaza the spirit of evil and hatred and its tools are killing innocent civilians, "as if Herod's actions in the massacre of the children of Bethlehem were repeated in their most atrocious forms", in a climate of general silence and official disengagement at an international level.
King Abdullah II, for his part, reiterated that any truce must lead to a ceasefire and a return to the negotiating table to find a solution to the Palestinian issue based on the two-state solution, which is supported by international consensus. The King also condemned the targeting of places of worship, including mosques and churches in Gaza, where many have sought refuge in these places and are in need of aid.
Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, expressed his appreciation for the humanitarian relief provided through field hospitals in Gaza and the West Bank, stressing that the intervention of the international community will be necessary to help in finding a new and realistic perspective for the future of Gaza and of Palestinians. (GV) Agenzia Fides, 21/12/2023)
