After the " grievous strike" on Gaza's only Catholic parish on July 17, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, and His Beatitude Theophilos III, Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem, were able to make a visit to Gaza. As they arrived to the area, the cardinal spoke to Pope Leo on the phone.
“Pope Leo repeatedly stated that it is time to stop this slaughter, that what has happened is unjustifiable, and that we must ensure there are no more victims,” said the Patriarch, speaking to Vatican News.
The Catholic-Orthodox delegation in Gaza was able to express "the shared pastoral solicitude of the Churches of the Holy Land and their concern for the community of Gaza," a statement from the Patriarchate on July 18 noted.
The statement said that the Patriarchate was able to secure a delivery of "hundreds of tons of food supplies as well as first aid kits and urgently needed medical equipment."
This development comes after the attack on the only Catholic parish in Gaza Strip brought international attention yesterday, as well as a statement from the Pope. The Israel Defense Forces offered a justification on X.
Won't be abandoned
In a statement earlier this month, the Church's international charity organization, Caritas, decried the situation of starvation in the Gaza Strip. "Palestinians in Gaza today are confronted with an impossible choice: starve or risk being shot while attempting to secure food for their families," the statement said.
The Holy Family compound supports not only the few Christians in sanctuary there, but also other refugees. The Patriarchate noted that the supplies would assist "as many families as possible."
Three people died in the attack and three others were gravely wounded. Caritas Jerusalem said shortly after the attack: "Three young people who had been standing at the entrance of the church were also badly injured" and the Patriarchate described them as "one in critical condition and two in serious condition."
The Patriarchate reported that they were able to ensure "the evacuation of individuals injured in the attack to medical institutions outside Gaza where they will receive care."
The statement from the Patriarchate today assures its "commitment to the Christian community and the entire population of Gaza."
They will not be forgotten, nor will they be abandoned.
Since Hamas launched an offensive on Israel on October 7, 2023, the Gaza war has reportedly left around 60,000 Palestinians dead and 2,000 Israelis dead.
