As the years pass and a just and fair solution to the decades-old conflict is not resolved, there is the fear that people of the Holy Land are losing their natural sense of empathy, compassion and mutual understanding of our common humanity.

I am deeply concerned that the people of Palestine, especially the youth, are in danger of losing hope because without hope they cannot live and prosper. It has been a hard year with the war in Gaza, the unrest in the West Bank and the ongoing tension in Jerusalem, compounded by deepening poverty caused by the corona pandemic.

Due to the deterioration of the situation, lack of progress in the peace talks and the expansion of settlements, mistrust and enmity between Israelis and Palestinians increased. Failing to overcome mistrust will only condemn future generations of Palestinians and Israelis to more conflict and more suffering.

Let us, on this International Day, pray that the parties cease provocations and create an environment conducive to meaningful negotiations. Peace must be built on rights for all and protection for all. The collective and indiscriminate punishment of the Palestinians must cease because of its devastating effects on the daily life of Palestinians which only increases animosity and intolerance.

Caritas Jerusalem denounces the violation of basic human rights and calls upon the international community to intervene and end the ongoing worsening situation that only leads to more suffering.