The situation of the Palestinians is a complex and longstanding issue, resulting from many years of displacement, military occupation, and repeated conflicts involving the State of Israel.
In the face of this most recent conflict, Catholic popes and diverse groups of Jewish rabbis have collectively voiced as a united moral appeal for peace, justice, and the protection of innocent life amid devastating conflict.
The most recent Israel-Hamas conflict, which began in October 2023, was sparked when Hamas militants crossed the border into Israel, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 Israeli civilians and the abduction of 240 individuals. This ongoing war has catastrophically worsened the humanitarian crisis, particularly in the Gaza strip, where famine conditions and immense loss of life have emerged.
Since October 7, 2023, the Gaza Health Ministry reports that Israeli attacks have killed more than 63,000 Palestinians and injured more than 159,000. A United Nations expert stated that between May and August 2025 alone, 1,857 Palestinians were killed while seeking food. Another United Nations assessment states that as of August 2025, more than two million Palestinians face extreme hunger, with hundreds of thousands on the brink of mass starvation.
A few weeks ago, Pope Leo XIV called on Israel to end its barrage of the civilian population of Gaza. He said, “I beg for a permanent ceasefire to be reached, the safe entry of humanitarian aid to be facilitated and humanitarian law to be fully respected.” He reminded us all that international law calls for the “prohibition of collective punishment, indiscriminate use of force and the forced displacement of the population.”
The pope added, “All peoples, even the smallest and weakest, must be respected by the powerful in their identity and rights, especially the right to live in their own lands; and no one can force them into exile.” Pope Leo also called for the release of hostages abducted by Hamas from Israel, as some 50 remain in captivity. He called for both sides to end the war, “which has caused so much terror, destruction and death.”
In an unlikely twist, Pope Leo’s call for an end to the suffering on all sides of the conflict was joined by dozens of Orthodox rabbis demanding “moral clarity” to what they called a humanitarian crisis.
Jewish clergy, including Orthodox, Reform, and Conservative rabbis, have issued public letters, statements, and organized rallies to voice their concerns about the war and its aftermath. A number of these rabbis have spoken out against Israel’s tactics in the war in Gaza, with the most recent condemnations focusing on the humanitarian crisis and lack of aid access. Other rabbinic groups have demanded an immediate ceasefire, arguing that the war’s continuation is a moral and strategic disaster. These public condemnations reflect growing divisions within the global Jewish community regarding Israel’s conduct in the war.
In August, 80 Orthodox rabbis issued an open letter calling for “moral clarity” and emphasizing Israel’s responsibility to prevent mass starvation. They affirmed that Hamas’ crimes do not relieve Israel of its obligation to aid civilians, stating, “Judaism’s vision of justice and compassion extends to all human beings.” A letter signed by more than 1,000 rabbis and Jewish leaders from around the world condemned “mass killings of civilians” and the “use and threat of starvation as a weapon of war.” While supporting Israel’s right to defend itself against Hamas, they argued that Israel’s actions were damaging Judaism itself.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has denied reports of starvation in Gaza. However, the dissenting rabbis call upon Netanyahu and the Israeli government “to respect all innocent life.” Let us pray for the peace of Israel, the Palestinian people, and all people of the world!
Father Joseph D. Wallace is diocesan director of Ecumenical and Inter-religious Affairs and pastor of Christ the Redeemer Parish, Atco.
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