Catholic leaders in the Holy Land, aligned with Pope Francis’ vision for global peace, have expressed deep concern over the manipulation of the ‘just war’ theory to justify ongoing conflict in Gaza.
They assert that this ethical framework, originally intended to restrict the use of force in warfare, is now being distorted to rationalize the tragic loss of tens of thousands of lives, including those of their own community members.
In a poignant statement, these leaders argue that Israel’s military actions in Gaza do not meet the criteria outlined by the ‘just war’ theory.
They contend that diplomatic negotiations have not been exhausted before resorting to military force, and they question the notion of proportionality in the conflict.
Critics suggest that prolonging the war to potentially save future Israeli lives unfairly prioritizes hypothetical security over the immediate human cost borne by Palestinians.
Upholding the Integrity of Justice
The Catholic leaders emphasize the importance of preserving the true meaning of justice in discourse.
They reject attempts to cloak unjust actions under the guise of ‘just war,’ advocating instead for a steadfast commitment to genuine peace and humanitarian principles.
They maintain hope that reclaiming the integrity of language will pave the way for a just resolution to the conflict, one that respects the dignity and lives of all involved.
Religion News