Coadjutor Archbishop Fouad Twal of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem warns that “the crisis of the Palestinian population is dramatic,” in fact, bordering on “civil war.”
Coadjutor Archbishop Fouad Twal of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem warns that “the crisis of the Palestinian population is dramatic,” in fact, bordering on “civil war.”
The prelate spoke to the Italian bishops’ SIR news agency about the new outbreaks of violence in the Holy Land.
The archbishop said the violence between Palestinians and between Palestinians and Israelis reflects “the fear and chaos that no one is able to control.”
“We are in total anarchy, on the border of a civil war,” he added Thursday.
The archbishop said he prays “to God that leaders of the two peoples will carry out courageous gestures to build mutual confidence and resume the dialogue.”
Archbishop Twal said that “until today we have heard the voices of those who, at the international level, are seeking ways of providing help. And, while they argue, the population tries to survive.”
“What is needed is that international institutions, policies, and NGOs bring tangible aid. And the same must be done by all the dioceses and local Churches of the world,” he said.
The archbishop stated that “there must be a general mobilization to avoid a catastrophe. There is not much time left.”
The prelate praised the Holy See’s statement released Wednesday regarding the conflict, which expressed the closeness of Benedict XVI to those living in the afflicted areas.
The press statement called for negotiation as the “only path” to a “just and lasting” peace.
