Mags GarganFollowing a visit to the Holy Land as part of an international delegation, Bishop Ray Browne said that it is “critical” for people on all sides that progress is made towards peace.
Bishop Browne of Kerry and Bishop Kieran O’Reilly, the newly appointed Archbishop of Cashel & Emly, joined a delegation of 14 prelates from Europe, America and South Africa in the Holy Land to show support for the Christian community.
Speaking to The Irish Catholic on his return, Bishop Browne said while “Israel rightly has a concern for security, it looks to be at a shocking cost”. “The restrictions on the Palestinian people just seemed to be at a frightening level. I understand the right to security, but when you see how much the Palestinians are being held back and impoverished, the balance doesn’t look to be right. The cost of security seems to be far too high,” he said.
“The recent peace efforts have failed and the situation is critical. It is vital that progress is made towards a solution. People on all sides need it.”
Last week’s trip was the Holy Land Coordination group’s first visit to Gaza since the violence in 2014 which killed 2,000 Palestinians and 70 Israelis. In a statement the delegation said that they had “witnessed the tragic consequences of the failure of both local and international politicians to advance peace”.
“In the wake of the terrible destruction caused by last year’s war, our presence reminded the small Christian community that they are not forgotten.”