Irish bishops describe the war between Israel and Hamas as “an attack on all of humanity”

LEICESTER, United Kingdom – Ireland’s bishops are calling for an end to the conflict between Israel and Hamas and the release of refugees after a conflict that has lasted for about eight months.

On October 7, 2023, Hamas attacked Israel, killing 1,200 Israelis and taking over 200 others hostage. Israel then declared war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip, which has so far claimed an estimated 37,000 lives.

“We reiterate our call for an immediate end to the war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip,” the Irish bishops said in a statement released on June 20.

“We ask not only the innocent population affected by this conflict, but also all people of faith, to pray for the safety of humanitarian workers who must be given unhindered access to carry out their life-saving work to deliver essential aid to Gaza, preventing further deaths from hunger and malnutrition,” the bishops said.

On 28 May, the Republic of Ireland recognised Palestine as a sovereign and independent state and agreed to the establishment of full diplomatic relations between Dublin and Ramallah.

In a statement, the government pointed to the tragic background of this announcement and called for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, the release of Israeli hostages and unhindered access for humanitarian aid.

“This decision by Ireland is about keeping hope alive. It is about believing that a two-state solution is the only way for Israel and Palestine to live side by side in peace and security,” said Simon Harris, the Irish Prime Minister.

“We wanted to recognize Palestine at the end of a peace process, but we took this step together with Spain and Norway to keep the miracle of peace alive. I once again call on Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to listen to the world and stop the humanitarian catastrophe we are witnessing in Gaza,” he added.

Hamas is not part of the Palestinian state based in the West Bank.

On Thursday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the families of prisoners still held in Gaza that Israeli forces “will not leave the Gaza Strip until all the abductees have returned,” Israeli Army Radio reported.

Netanyahu said Israel would “eliminate Hamas’ military and government capabilities.”

The United Nations human rights agency has released a report saying that Israeli forces in the Gaza Strip may have repeatedly violated fundamental principles of the laws of war.

According to the report, unlawful attacks carried out as part of a large-scale or systematic attack on the civilian population in accordance with the policy of a State or organization may also constitute the commission of crimes against humanity.

“Israel’s choice of methods and means to conduct hostilities in Gaza since October 7, including the extensive use of explosive weapons with wide-area impact in densely populated areas, have failed to effectively distinguish between civilians and combatants,” the UN report said.

“The lives and infrastructure of civilians are protected by international humanitarian law. This law clearly sets out the obligations of parties to armed conflict, which make the protection of civilians a priority,” it continues.

In their statement on Thursday, the Irish bishops said the war between Israel and Hamas was “an attack on all of humanity”.

“When people are denied basic human dignity and necessary humanitarian aid, it makes us all poorer,” the bishops said.

“The United Nations’ efforts to address the humanitarian crisis are welcome. But the people of the Holy Land – and around the world – need clear and courageous leadership from world leaders,” the bishops continue. “Who is prepared to make human suffering and the dignity of every person the top priority to put an end to this atrocity?”

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