” “"Many of use have visited Gaza and met the local Christian community and the Palestinian and Muslim leaders reads the message . We have been warmly received by people who hope in a better future, while living in poverty. We have visited Galilee, prayed with those live stones that the Christian communities are and experienced inter-religious dialogue". As to the presence of the Christians, the Bishops repeat that "they are key to the achievement of peace. Even if they are just a few, they are part of the people of Israel and the Palestinian Territories, and their rights must be protected through the acknowledgement of equality and security". The Coordination also asks Israel to let negotiations start again for the fundamental agreement with the Holy See, on which depends "the liveliness of the Church and its institutions, such as schools, hospitals, nursing homes, offering important services to the whole community". Politically, the Bishops insist, using the Pope’s words to the diplomatic corps of January 8th, on "Israel’s right to live in peace in its state and the Palestinians’ right to have a free, sovereign nation". Concepts that have also been repeated to the deputy prime minister Shimon Peres, who was asked to reduce the number of check-points and pay to the Palestinians the proceeds from taxes they are due to receive. (to be continued)” “
