Statement on the “Peace-to-Prosperity” Plan
The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, for decades, is at the center of many peace initiatives and proposals for solution.
As said many times in the past, we think that no proposal and not serious perspective could be reached without the agreement of the two peoples, Israelis and Palestinians. These proposals have to be based on equal rights and dignity.
The plan “Peace-to-Prosperity” presented yesterday does not contain these conditions. It does not give dignity and rights to the Palestinians. It is to be considered a unilateral initiative, since it endorses almost all the demands of one side, the Israeli one, and its political agenda. On the other hand, this plan does not really take into considerations the just demands of the Palestinian people for their homeland, their rights and dignified life.
This plan will bring no solution but rather will create more tensions and probably more violence and bloodshed.
We expect that the previous agreements signed between the two parties be respected and improved upon the basis of complete human equality among peoples.
We invite all world Christian Churches to pray for the Holy Land, to work towards justice and peace and to be the voice of the voiceless.
“And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace for those who make peace.” (James 3, 18)
Source: Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem
