ROME (RNS) Roman Catholic bishops from the U.S. and Europe concluded a visit to Gaza with a call for the end of Israel’s long-running blockade, and greater action to alleviate poverty after last year’s violent war with Israel.
Sixteen bishops who represent the Holy Land Coordination group went to Gaza for the first time since the conflict killed some 2,000 Palestinians and 70 Israelis.
“We witnessed the tragic consequences of the failure of both local and international politicians to advance peace,” the bishops said.
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“When the Palestinians, by violating this, unashamedly tell us all that they do not abide by agreements they enter into, that doesn’t do much for our confidence.”
The ministry confirmed it had suspended the transfer of tax revenues to the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah — not because the Palestinians had recently moved to join the International Criminal Court — but because of what it called the “fundamental violation” of all Israeli-Palestinian agreements.
