Bishop Treanor said that while he was always wary of drawing over simplified conclusions, religions and churches had a role in promoting peace and understanding in Northern Ireland in the recent past and in particular during the past year when the political institutions were not functioning there.

The bishops are determined to go to Gaza to help remind the small Christian community that they are not forgotten as Christians.

“Demolitions in Sur Baher serve only to undermine the human rights of Palestinians and jeopardise hopes for long-term peace and a two-state solution.”

In their statement the Catholic Bishops of the Holy Land have expressed sadness and sorrow over the criminal acts, which they say go unpunished despite numerous complaints.

Pope Francis and King Mohammed VI of Morocco called for the special character of Jerusalem to be recognised, and for “full freedom of access to the faithful and the right of each to exercise their own worship”.