An international delegation of sixteen Catholic Bishops visited Gaza this week and issued a signed statement on January 15th. They also released hundreds of photos from their visit, which document the horrific conditions Gazans are forced to live in. They described "the devastation, the appalling scenes of destruction we saw, and the fears of another war we heard." "Political leaders must defend the human dignity of the people in Gaza," they insisted. The Bishops' Conferences explained that 'human dignity was the basis for peace in the Holy Land' and signed a letter which began "We witnessed the tragic consequences of the failure of both local and international politicians to advance peace. Human dignity is given by God and is absolute. The ongoing conflict assaults the dignity of both Palestinians and Israelis, but in a particular way our commitment to the poor calls us to lift up t he uffering people in Gaza." The bishops condemned "the terrible estruction caused by last year's war," calling Gaza "a man-made isaster, a shocking scandal, an injustice that cries out to the uman community for a resolution." "The continuing blockade ramatically impedes rebuilding and contributes to desperation hat undermines Israelis' legitimate hope for security," they said.