ACI MENA, Oct 9, 2025 / 11:55 am

The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem has welcomed the announcement of an agreement to halt attacks in the Gaza Strip and to ensure the immediate release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners — describing it as a first step “that may pave the way to the end of this tragic war.”

In a statement released today, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa welcomed the news “with joy” and called for the full and sincere implementation of the agreement, stressing “the urgent need to deliver humanitarian aid without conditions to the people of Gaza, who are enduring catastrophic living conditions.”

Pizzaballa said the announcement represents “a first step and an initial stage.” He emphasized that the road ahead remains long, “but for now, we must rejoice in this important step, which can restore some confidence in the future and offer renewed hope, especially for the Palestinian and Israeli peoples.”

He added: “We hope this will be just the beginning of a new phase in which we start thinking, little by little, not about war but about how to rebuild.”

The agreement follows American, Egyptian, and Qatari mediation efforts. President Donald Trump announced early Thursday via his Truth Social platform that a temporary ceasefire had been reached, including the mutual release of hostages and the unrestricted entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

The patriarchate, in the statement, called upon everyone to join in the Day of Prayer for Peace declared by Pope Leo XIV, which will take place Oct. 11.

This story was first published by ACI MENA, CNA’s Arabic-language news partner, and has been translated for and adapted by CNA.