THE Archbishop of Liverpool has called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and for both sides in the conflict to seek a reconciliation.

The Most Rev Patrick Kelly is currently in Bethlehem, where he is leading an international delegation to the Holy Land.

He was speaking as Israeli forces continued their air and ground attacks on Hamas militants.

The Archbishop said: “There needs to be an immediate ceasefire to allow humanitarian relief through.

“There is an urgent need for humanitarian relief for the population of Gaza.

“Violence is evil, especially when it blocks humanitarian aid.”

He continued: “The first duty of leaders in this situation is to take the necessary steps to stop and avoid violence and to take the costly steps to engage in dialogue.

“History always judges as truly brave those open to any conversation that saves a single life.

“The agencies, supported by the Church, seek to serve all. However, they have a specific responsibility to the needs of the minority Christians and also to appreciate the role of religion and faith in this land.”

The Archbishop is Vice President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, and is leading a group of European and North American Bishops to the Holy Land during his week-long visit.

So far, they have met with students from Bethlehem University and parishioners from Beit Sahour, where they presided at a wedding of two parishioners.

They also took part in a procession through Bethlehem with schoolchildren from across the West Bank, and are due to meet Israeli and Palestinian officials.

The group of leading Catholic bishops meets every January in the Holy Land to meet with Christians in the area.

alanweston