The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops expressed gratitude to the United States and the other countries who worked together to establish a peace plan to end the Gaza war, and asked for people to pray for the peace process and a continued dialogue in the region.
“I am immensely grateful to the United States and multilateral partners for their tireless work to begin the process that will, God willing, culminate in the ending of the devastating war in Gaza,” said Bishop A. Elias Zaidan, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on International Justice and Peace, in a statement released by the USCCB on Friday, October 10.
Bishop Zaidan is a Maronite Catholic and leads the Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon of Los Angeles.
Both Israel and Hamas agreed to the first phase of a 20-point peace plan that was proposed by President Donald Trump. Hamas will release the remaining living hostages by noon on Monday, October 13, and Israel will withdraw troops "to a mutually agreed upon line," noted Bishop Zaidan.
With the war in Gaza appearing to be coming to an end, the prelate expressed his hopes that humanitarian aid for the people of Gaza becomes a priority.
"As the peace process gets underway, I urge all international partners to urgently prioritize humanitarian assistance for the Gazan people, as well as the rebuilding of the Strip; this will lay the foundations not just for peace, but for the Gazan people’s prosperity," he said.
Beseech God
Previously, Bishop Zaidan issued a statement when the peace plan began to take shape, urging people to pray "ardently" for peace in the Middle East.
"Marking the anniversary of the October 7 attacks against Israel, Pope Leo XIV reminded us of the essential link between prayer and dialogue: 'The Church has asked everyone to pray for peace, especially during this month. We will also seek, in ways available to the Church, to promote dialogue at all times,’" said Zaidan.
The dual factors of a "grace-filled dialogue" along with "a culture of encounter" that will result in the emergence of a "common humanity, regardless of religious affiliation," he said, "until we see only brothers and sisters working together for peace, mutual respect, and solidarity."
"Let us continue beseeching almighty God for peace and cooperation for the good of all people in the entire Middle East.”
