New Zealand:

The Catholic and Anglican bishops of Aotearoa in New Zealand have called for the opening of humanitarian corridors in the war-stricken Holy Land. The bishops met together for a conference at Wellington recently and expressed their concerns on the acts of violence that are shredding peace in the Holy Land. 

Israel-Hamas conflict sprouted when Hamas launched an attack in Israel on the Jewish holiday of Simchat Torah, killing thousands. Following the atrocity, Israel declared war and launched ‘Operation Iron Swords’ against Hamas militant group in Gaza. Since then, the war has killed over 4,000 civilians on either side, leaving more than 10,000 wounded.

“As Bishops, we endorse the work of those groups and institutions in Israel and Palestine who work for peace, justice, and reconciliation”, said Bishop Steve Lowe, President of the New Zealand Catholic Bishops’ Conference.

The Anglican Archbishop Philip Richardson expressed his concern over the innocent lives who were maimed and killed in the conflict in the Holy Land. 

The bishops asked other fellow inter-faith religious leaders to unite with them in prayers and actions for a lasting peace in the regions of conflict. They urged the people of Aotearoa to pray for peace and to support aid appeals for those suffering from the horrors of war.