On December 30, 2008, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem issued a statement “on the current devastating situation in Gaza.” The statement “calls upon all
officials of both parties to the conflict to return to their senses and refrain from all violent acts, which only bring destruction and tragedy, and urge them instead to work to
resolve their differences through peaceful and non-violent means.” The leaders also call on all to observe Sunday, January 4 as “a day for justice and peace in the land of peace.”