A Catholic Priest serving in the Diocese of Bethlehem, South Africa is calling on religious fraternities to observe moments of prayer as Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip intensify.

In a communiqué shared with the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC) communication office, the Young Catholic Students Chaplain expresses concern as human rights violence reaches unprecedented levels.

“The conflict in Palestine is a grave concern for all people, with levels of violence reaching unprecedented levels and clear violations of human rights and international law,” says Fr Mokesh Kantilal Morar.

As “several global leaders are seeking to find a humanitarian solution to the desperate situation confronting Palestinians,” Fr Morar calls on “faith communities to dedicate at least one day per month to praying for justice and peace in Palestine, for the respect of human rights and international law.”

According to the United Nations, B’Tselem, Euro-Med Monitor, and other sources, “Israel has used sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) systematically against Palestinians in detention, at checkpoints, and during encounters in the Gaza strip since 7 October 2023. The use of sexualized violence against Palestinians appears to have increased dramatically since 7 October.”

Since the start of the violent conflict between Israel and Hamas militants, the Catholic Bishops in South Africa, Botswana, and Eswatini have on several occasions called for a ceasefire in the Holy Land.

*Photo credit for graphic to Aljazeera*