Jerusalem: Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas expressed his hope on Saturday that Easter would mark a new beginning filled with hope, and that peace and love would prevail in Palestine and the world. This came in a message he addressed to Theophilos III, Patriarch of Jerusalem and All the Holy Land and Jordan, and to the representatives of the council and priests of St. James Orthodox Cathedral, the head of the community, and the members of the Arab Orthodox parish, on the occasion of Easter.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, Abbas emphasized the importance of religious holidays to the Palestinian people, highlighting their commitment to celebrating Easter with steadfast hope and faith despite ongoing challenges. He pointed out the violations faced by Palestinians, such as settlement expansion, settler violence, land confiscation, economic restrictions, and limitations on worship at significant religious sites like Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
President Abbas underscored that these violations will not alter the historical and legal status of Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem. He reiterated that the Palestinian people, along with the international community, will not accept these assaults on their rights and heritage. He expressed hope for an end to hostilities in the Gaza Strip and a move towards recovery and reconstruction, with the aim of unifying the Palestinian territories and achieving a political solution that establishes an independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital.
In his message, President Abbas called for global church support in backing the Palestinian cause, urging for collaborative efforts to preserve the Christian presence in their homeland and to promote peace and justice in the region. He praised the messages from the Patriarchs and Heads of Churches of Jerusalem, viewing them as a call for justice, peace, and human brotherhood.
