A global network of Catholic communicators and media practitioners has expressed its “strongest condemnation” of the continuing violence in Gaza, aligning with the Holy See’s call for an immediate end to the bloodshed and for the protection of civilians.
SIGNIS, or the World Catholic Association for Communication, said it supports “the repeated statements of the Holy See, which call for an immediate cessation of violence, respect for international humanitarian law, and the opening of humanitarian corridors.”
The network echoed international organizations’ denunciations of genocide, citing mounting evidence of atrocities — including the killing of children, the deaths of journalists and humanitarian workers, and the deliberate use of starvation as a weapon of war.
“We also condemn all acts of terrorism that destroy the paths to peace building, as we reaffirm that no form of violence can be justified if it denies human life and dignity,” SIGNIS said.
The association reaffirmed “the right of the Palestinian people to freedom and self-determination, recognized by all nations,” and expressed support for “the Jewish voices that courageously speak out against the policies of the Israeli government, defending peace and justice above all ideology of domination.”
“As Catholic communicators, we declare that peace is never built on the elimination of the other, but on justice, freedom, and dialogue,” the statement continued. It urged the international community “to act urgently and consistently to stop this tragedy and open paths to reconciliation and life.”
The statement was released amid reports of a breakthrough ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. US President Donald Trump announced that both sides have agreed on the first phase of a Gaza ceasefire plan.
Qatar, one of the main mediators, confirmed that an agreement had been reached on “all the provisions and implementation mechanisms.” Hamas said the deal “stipulates an end to the war on Gaza, the occupation’s withdrawal from it, the entry of aid, and a prisoner exchange.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described it as “a great day for Israel,” saying his government would meet Thursday to approve the agreement.
Israel’s war on Gaza has killed at least 67,183 people and wounded 169,841 since October 2023, according to local health authorities. Thousands more remain trapped under the rubble of destroyed buildings, while 1,139 people were killed in Israel during the October 7, 2023, attacks, and about 200 were taken captive.
