Salhiya, Lebanon - 10 December 2023

I am at a loss for words to express my condemnation of the United States of America’s veto on the UN Security Council’s resolution for an immediate ceasefire to stop the massacre in Gaza.

The United States’ rejection of this resolution makes America an accomplice in the killing-fields of Gaza. This rejection proves its complicity in the killing of men, women, and children...indeed all those martyrs among the people of Gaza. In fact, it has been complicit in killing every one of the victims of the war that has been raging since the 7th October, on all fronts and among all combatants.

I appeal to all countries of the world to stand together in condemning America’s criminal position, and to strive to bring about a lasting truce, as a prelude to stopping the war, and charting an effective path to reach peace, that is the greatest and only good for all the people.

The Holy Land is the key to peace in the Middle East and peace in the whole world.

I address this appeal particularly to President Biden’s Christian and humanitarian conscience, asking him to add his voice to the voices of the countries of the world. Rather, I ask him to lead the peace process in the Holy Land, the Middle East, and the world. Sign your name as an historic peacemaker in the Holy Land!

As I launch this Arab Christian spiritual, ecclesial and humanitarian appeal, I implore all countries of the world to give the Holy Land the gift of Christmas, the gift of love and peace, so that there may be heard in the hearts and consciences of the people of the Holy Land, and indeed throughout the whole world the song of peace, the eternal hymn of Christmas:

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will towards men.” (Luke, 2: 14)

With my love, prayer and blessing

+ Gregorios III
Melkite Greek Catholic
Patriarch Emeritus of Antioch and All the East, of Alexandria, and of Jerusalem

Address: Salhiya Care Home, Sidon - BC 17 - Lebanon
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