Washington D.C., Jun 18, 2007 / 08:14 am
The U.S. bishops have urged co-sponsorship of a Senate resolution that seeks to advance the Israeli-Palestinian peace process.
Marking the 40th anniversary of the Six-Day War between Israel and a coalition of Arab states, the resolution acknowledges that the only way toward a better future for both Israelis and Palestinians is “to put an end to decades of confrontation and conflict and to live in peaceful coexistence, mutual dignity, and security, based on a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace,” noted Bishop Thomas Wenski in a June 13 letter to the Senate. Bishop Wenski is chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Committee on International Policy.
“Resolution 224 appropriately affirms a two-state solution, with the State of Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security,” Bishop Wenski continued. “A majority of Israelis and Palestinians yearn for such a two-state solution,” he said.
The bishop noted that resolution renounces violence and terror, reaffirms an unwavering commitment to Israel’s security, and calls on the Hamas-led Palestinian Authority to recognize Israel, renounce terrorism, and accept past agreements.