The leader of Jerusalem’s Catholic community has appealed to Christians in the West to be “in communion” with their brothers and sisters in the Holy Land as they continue to suffer against a backdrop of conflict and distrust.

Patriarch Fouad Twal said it was becoming increasingly difficult for Israelis and Palestinians to envision a future of coexistence, whilst at the same time becoming easier to “demonise the other”.

“An entire generation of Israelis and Palestinians grew up witnessing and experiencing violence, occupation, separation and hatred,” he said.

“There have been fewer and less opportunities to interact, and a heightened suspicion and apprehension on both sides persist.”

He added: “It is harder to forgive and strenuous to start a constructive dialogue.”

Patriarch Twal was speaking at a conference on the situation facing Christians in the Holy Land held in London this week.

The conference was hosted jointly by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, and the Archbishop of Westminster, Vincent Nichols.

Patriarch Twal said that young people in particular were suffering as a result of the conflict and that hope was being “shattered”.

He said there was an “urgent” need to resolve the conflict as he warned that the possibilities for a just solution were “rapidly decreasing”, while extremist forces were gaining more and more followers.

He urged Christians in the West to “connect and be in communion with” Christians in the Holy Land and to “come and see” the situation for themselves.

“Share in their joys and suffering, bear their burdens with them, reflect and consider your responsibility towards your mother church,” he said.

Patriarch Twal asked Christians to support institutions in the Holy Land that are providing employment opportunities and education, health and social services not only to Christians but also to the largely non-Christian population.

“The Christian presence is threatened by virtual extinction, and the land of Jesus cannot become an equivalent of a spiritual Disneyland with beautiful buildings, historic sites and museums on display,” he said.

“All people - Jews, Christians and Muslims suffer the consequences of the conflict. Occupation is a terrible image for any democratic State, as it is horrible for the people of the occupied areas, where hatred and aversion are fostered and nurtured.

“We are aware of the persecution and suffering of our Christians in some Muslim countries in the region, but this is not an excuse to forget the dire reality of our situation in the Holy Land.”