“Terrorism can never be justified,” said Archbishop Caccia. The state of Israel declared its independence the following year. Over ensuing decades of wars, conflicts and geopolitical tensions, efforts to advance the plan have both continued and faltered, with the U.S., the European Union, Russia and the U.N. — known as the Quartet — releasing a road map to the two-state solution in 2003. Hamas’ armed takeover of Gaza in 2007 led to several rounds of fighting with Israel over the years, punctuated by internationally mediated talks. The archbishop stressed that such an accord “must ensure the protection of the Holy Places,” while guaranteeing unhindered access to and worship at them.