Gaza Priest Comments on Ceasefire

Fr. Gabriel Romanelli of the parish of the Holy Family in Gaza
Fr. Gabriel Romanelli, parish priest of the Latin Catholic parish dedicated to the Holy Family, describes the emotional gratitude with which the announcement of the agreement between Israel and Hamas. It was welcomed as “a breath of fresh air and hope,” among his people and throughout the tormented Gaza Strip.
“The news of the ceasefire has brought joy. Now we are all waiting for Sunday, when the truce can begin. Even if here in Gaza we are aware that the path will be difficult.”
At the same time, the Argentinian missionary belonging to the Institute of the Incarnate Word confirms to Agenzia Fides that “even between yesterday and today there are still dozens of dead and hundreds of wounded. There is still death, destruction and anguish,” which continue to intrude into daily life and devastate it.
The agreement announced by Qatar and the United States provides for a first phase of six weeks during which 33 Israeli hostages held in Gaza will be released, in exchange for hundreds of Palestinians held in Israeli prisons. This first phase should allow a path to be established towards final peace.
The definitive signing of the agreement by Israel still depends on the decisions that will be taken during the meetings of the security cabinet and the government. Ministers have left the majority that supports the government because they refused the “ceasefire” in Gaza.
The Latin parish remains an oasis and a refuge of life irrigated by faith, in the midst of the persistent collective misfortune of the population of Gaza: “Every day,” says Fr. Romanelli, “we spend three or four hours in church praying, lauds, rosaries, vespers, Mass. There is the Bible group that reads the letter of the Apostle St. James, the meetings with young people and adults continue.”
“And with the help of the whole Church, especially the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Order of Malta, we bring comfort to thousands of civilians. Families who have no food.” If the truce begins, adds Fr. Gabriel, “we will be able to start thinking about the post-war period. With God’s help, we will try to continue doing all the good we can.”
(Sources : Agence Fides/Euronews – FSSPX.Actualités)
Illustration : DR