US bishops urge intense prayers for Trump‑backed Gaza peace deal

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) issued a statement on Aug. 3 calling for “intense prayers” for a peace agreement announced by President Donald Trump that would see Hamas fully disarm, Israeli forces withdraw from the Gaza Strip, and an international stabilization force assume security responsibilities.

Bishop A. Elias Zaidan, chair of the USCCB Committee on International Justice and Peace, said he was “heartened” by the deal and urged the United States, Israel and the international community to increase humanitarian aid, restore education, create jobs and provide clean water for Gaza’s residents.

The agreement’s implementation remains uncertain. Hamas officials have confirmed the pact, but Israel has not publicly endorsed it and continues airstrikes that killed at least 17 people, including children. Father Gabriel Romanelli of Holy Family Church in Gaza described the humanitarian situation as “disastrous,” emphasizing the urgent need for aid.