Offers to Trade Himself for Hostage Children by Cardinal Pizzaballa

The envoy of Pope Francis in Israel and the Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, declared his readiness to trade places with the Israeli kids being held prisoner by Hamas in Gaza. He made this declaration during a video chat with Italian media, highlighting his fervent wish to ensure the children’s release and return. Cardinal Pizzaballa said that he was completely open to engaging in such a conversation and had no concerns.

Tragically, children were among those killed in the recent kibbutzim terror assaults near Gaza. Pizzaballa offered his services to Hamas in reaction to this circumstance. He added that while he hasn’t made official contact with Hamas about this offer, he is aware of how difficult such conversations would be.

It is significant to note that Cardinal Pizzaballa signed the Statement on the Escalating Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza as one of the signatories. In the course of the Israel-Hamas War in 2023, this statement demanded that the Israeli government allow the passage of humanitarian supplies into Gaza, denounced assaults on civilians, and asked for a de-escalation of the situation. Eli Cohen, the Israeli foreign minister, objected to this assertion, calling it “inconceivable.”

Since November 6, 2020, an Italian priest named Pierbattista Pizzaballa OFM has served as the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem. He held the positions of Apostolic Administrator of the Latin Patriarchate from 2016 to 2020, as well as Custos of the Holy Land from 2004 to 2016. Notably, on September 30, 2023, Pope Francis elevated him to cardinal title.

Pizzaballa has expressed disapproval and objections to Israel’s building of a wall dividing the West Bank from Jerusalem.