WASHINGTON—In response to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the ongoing violence between Israelis and Palestinians, Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, Chair of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Committee on International Justice and Peace, stated the following:

"The violence in Gaza that has led to the deaths of 60 Palestinians and injuries of more than 2,000 is deeply troubling. Recognizing Israel's right to self-defense, it is difficult to justify the death of protestors. 

The protests by Palestinians are fueled by desperation due to the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. I pray for all those who have been killed or injured and for their families who are suffering. 

I join with Pope Francis who on Easter prayed, 'We beseech fruits of reconciliation for the Holy Land, also experiencing in these days the wounds of ongoing conflict that do not spare the defenseless.'

Prospects are dimming for a two-state solution in which a viable and independent Palestine exists in peace with a secure Israel, with Jerusalem as a shared capital. Moving the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem was a provocative and unhelpful step in the pursuit of peace. 

Understanding that violence is not the answer, I join with all people of good will in praying for a peaceful resolution to this long-standing conflict."