The city of Gaza is still shocked while Israeli air attacks whip multiple neighborhoods and the conflict intensifies.
Days after the Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, announced the launch of a land operation, urging civilians to evacuate the designated combat areas, Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz, has argued that Gaza runs the risk of mass destruction unless Hamas releases Israeli hostages and delivers their weapons.
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In the midst of this agitation, the Catholic Church of the Sagrada Familia, in the neighborhood of Al-Zeitoun, has become both a spiritual center and a shelter, hosting some 600 people from Christian and Muslim families. The Church provides some calm while the projectiles continue to fall in the vicinity.
In the same neighborhood is the historic Orthodox Church of San Porfirio, which maintains its centenary presence in the territory. It has also served as a refuge, although for a smaller number of people.
The two churches are found in separate places, not in the same enclosure, and about 2.7 kilometers are remote, approximately 40 minutes on foot, according to Google Maps.
The relationship between both churches is good and has been strengthened even more since the war began. The two have a nearby mission and serve the Christian community in the area, but all Christians living there depend largely on Catholic aid, channeled through Catholic organizations.
The majority of people who take refuge in the Church of the Sagrada Familia are orthodox, since this community is larger than the Catholic and there are more resources available there.
Sources of the Latin patriarchy of Jerusalem indicated that they are closely monitoring the situation in Gaza and have warned about the dangers of a continued escalation.
Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, emphasized previously that another round of violence “will only bring more destruction and suffering”, urging the international community to act quickly to stop war and protect the civilian population.
These calls echo the position of the Holy See, where Pope Leo XIV and Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Vatican, repeatedly urge to respect civilians and ensure the passage of humanitarian aid, especially areas with Christian communities.
Fr. Gabriel Romanelli, pastor of the Church of the Sagrada Familia, has emphasized multiple occasions that the Church “will not abandon people in these difficult times” and will keep its doors open to anyone who needs refuge and hope.
As the war extends and the Christian community of Gaza continues to diminish, the concern for the collapse of the infrastructure and the worsening of humanitarian conditions grows. However, the Church continues to witness suffering and a lighthouse of hope.
Translated and adapted from English For the ACI Press team. Originally published by Aci mena.
Sanad sahelia
Sanad Sahelia is a freelance journalist of ACI Mena and covers the Christian communities and their affairs in Palestine and the Holy Land. He has been working for different media for more than 26 years.