Irish Bishops have welcomed the announcement of a ceasefire in Gaza, expressing cautious hope that the fragile truce will hold and lead to a lasting peace.
Speaking last Sunday after the ceasefire came into effect, Primate of All Ireland Archbishop Eamon Martin prayed through the intercession of St Oliver Plunkett for the “success of the fragile peace agreement in the Middle East.”
Archbishop Martin reiterated requests from Fr Romanelli, at the Holy Family Catholic Parish in Gaza, for the world to pray for a lasting peace.
Bishop Niall Coll of Ossory also released a statement on Monday expressing hope and cautious optimism.
“It is impossible to predict whether the headlines of hope and promise will truly bring the war to an end, let alone create momentum towards a comprehensive peace.”
“Under the agreement, and it is to be greatly welcomed, Hamas has released Israeli hostages in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners and, thankfully, Israeli forces have begun to pull back in Gaza to allow in humanitarian aid.”
Bishop Coll added his hope that the release of the hostages, “will in time offer the best chance of defusing the conflict and benefiting Palestinian civilians in Gaza,” and prayed that humanitarian assistance “will now surge and do so without interference.”
Bishop Martin Hayes of Kilmore also welcomed the development but expressed dismay that a peace deal could not have been negotiated earlier to save lives.
He said, “It is great that there is a strong possibility of peace, and I pray that it will hold”
“I am disappointed that it could not have been arranged earlier with the positive involvement of the major world powers to prevent the estimated 67,000 deaths in Gaza.”
The Taoiseach issued a statement this week, describing the ceasefire as “the first step on a road to peace.”
Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín TD also urged the international community to “build on this ceasefire.”
He said, “The Irish peace process has taught us that dialogue is the key to achieving peace. While many disagree with Trump, it should be noted that he appears to have a role in this ceasefire. This should be commended”.
