GAZA: Christmas is coming - but still no sign of peace

DESPITE no electricity and a dire lack of water in Gaza, Christian clergy will attempt to keep the “flame of hope” alive this Christmas.

Father Gabriel Romanelli of the Holy Family parish, the only Catholic Church in Gaza, told Aid to the Church in Need (ACN): “Our situation is better than a month-and-a-half ago, when the ceasefire began, but this does not mean that things are well. They remain very serious, very delicate. 

“Many people are saying that the war is going to end, but it has not ended yet. And therefore, peace has not yet arrived.

“The greatest concern at the moment is the fact that Gazans cannot yet see the light at the end of the tunnel – they cannot see any clear sign that peace is arriving.”

He said the humanitarian crisis remains unabated and affects the entire population in the Palestinian enclave of more than two million people. 

He added: “We lack everything.”

Electricity has been down for two years, and the little the parish has comes from its generators or solar panels, which most people don’t have access to. 

When drinking water reaches neighbourhoods it is insufficient, with people waiting up to three hours to get a few pints, all collected bottles or other containers.

The parish priest said temperatures have dropped and heavy rainfall has turned the ground to mud, creating waste-contaminated pools everywhere, posing serious health risks.

According to Father Romanelli basic infrastructures have reached breaking point.

He said: “The electrical grid, the water system and the health system are all insufficient, according to the World Health Organisation.

“Medication for chronic illness, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, are scarce and the population desperately needs winter clothing for the cold weather, because most people have lost their homes, and are seeking shelter.”

Despite these challenges, the Holy Family parish continues its mission, backed by the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem.

He said: “Since the war began we have helped, and continue to help, tens of thousands of families, but it is not enough.”

 Quoting St Mother Teresa of Calcutta, the priest added: “It is like a drop in the ocean. It seems insignificant, but without us, the ocean would have one less drop.” 

The parish compound is still home to more than 400 people, most of whom are Christians who derive strength from daily Mass and adoration, recitation of the rosary and the hours of the divine office, all in Arabic, the main language of the faithful. 

Fr Romanelli added: “We constantly try to light a flame of hope.” 

With Christmas approaching, the parish priest of the small Catholic community in Gaza thanked ACN benefactors around the world. 

He said: “Dear brothers and sisters, members of Aid to the Church in Need, this Christmas I want to thank you for all the help you have provided us, especially through the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, and ask that you continue to give spiritual, moral and material support to all of the Patriarchate’s initiatives.

“May God bless you, and Merry Christmas.”

With thanks to Christophe Lafontaine