SYRIZA Leader Urges Gaza Ceasefire in Meeting with Patriarch Theophilos III

As part of a SYRIZA-Progressive Alliance (SYRIZA-PS) delegation visit to Jerusalem, Gaza, and the West Bank, party president Socrates Famellos met with His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem and All Palestine at the Patriarchate of Jerusalem.

The meeting underscored the Patriarchate's vital role as a guardian of Hellenism and a force for regional stability and interfaith dialogue.

In a joint spirit of peace and humanitarian concern, Famellos emphasised the urgent need to address the deepening crisis in Gaza. “Our immediate priority is to achieve a ceasefire and alleviate the extreme humanitarian situation,” he stated. He drew parallels between the missions of the Church and the Left, noting that both “are based on hope and strive to make the world a better place.”

Push for Peace and Two-State Solution

Famellos reiterated SYRIZA-PS’s firm stance on the Palestinian issue, calling for a comprehensive peace process based on international law. He stressed the need for:

• An immediate ceasefire,

• The protection of civilians,

• The release of all hostages, and

• Unhindered humanitarian aid access.

He added that Greece, Cyprus, and Egypt should take a leading role in facilitating humanitarian relief efforts—a proposal the party has formally submitted.

Famellos also underscored the importance of reviving negotiations for a two-state solution grounded in United Nations resolutions, with the establishment of a Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders and East Jerusalem as its capital.

Protection of Christians and Religious Heritage

The SYRIZA-PS leader raised concern about the safety of Christian communities in Gaza and called for international guarantees for their protection. He also advocated for the reconstruction of the Church of St. Porphyrios in Gaza, in coordination with the Church of Greece and the Jerusalem Patriarchate.

Expressing continued support for the Ancient Patriarchates and the holy sites under their stewardship, Famellos reaffirmed SYRIZA-PS’s commitment to the preservation of the religious and cultural heritage of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem under the established Status Quo of the Holy Places.

Regarding the Monastery of St. Catherine on Mount Sinai, he voiced concerns about the Greek government's handling of the property issue and proposed the formation of a cross-party parliamentary delegation to visit the site.

Strengthening Regional and European Engagement

The meeting also reflected on past collaboration between the SYRIZA government and the Patriarchate, particularly in the restoration of the Dome of the Holy Sepulchre. Famellos informed the Patriarch of an upcoming initiative by SYRIZA MEPs to organise an event at the European Parliament focused on peace and security in the Eastern Mediterranean and the protection of Christian populations in the Middle East.

Delegation and Diplomatic Presence

Famellos was accompanied by key members of the SYRIZA-PS leadership, including party secretary Rania Svigkou, MP and head of the Foreign Affairs Committee Rena Dourou, diplomatic advisor Dimitris Papageorgiou, head of the president’s press office Christos Kympizis, and Greece’s Consul General in Jerusalem, Dimitris Angelopoulos.

The visit marks a continued effort by SYRIZA-PS to promote diplomacy, religious coexistence, and peacebuilding efforts in one of the world’s most conflict-ridden regions.

(Source: In.gr)