The war in Gaza has become one in which “the heart-rending price is being paid by children, the elderly and the sick.” Israel, along with its allies, especially including the United States, must reckon that cost as well.

In processing the extent of the suffering, it is helpful to recall the foundational principle of our Catholic social teaching—that everyone possesses inherent dignity and the God-given right not just to survive, but to live well.

Margaret Karram, president of the Rome-based Focolare movement, visited the United States to discuss current issues in peacemaking.

Catholic bishops are calling for prayer after two Israeli Embassy staff members were slain late May 21 outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington.

A Jerusalem Voice for Justice released a statement expressing solidarity with the Palestinians suffering in Gaza and the West Bank and appealing for help from their fellow Christians worldwide “who see our wounds but do not speak out.”

The Israeli military began perhaps its most aggressive ground offensive so far in the war to root out what is left of Hamas, maintaining an almost daily pace of incursions and airstrikes. The results have been devastating.