Palestinian Christians Cling to Faith and Hope Amid Ongoing Conflict

Palestine, December 6, 2024: Amid the escalating humanitarian crisis in the Holy Land due to the ongoing conflicts in the region, Palestinian Christians in Gaza and the West Bank are holding on to hope through faith and community support, said Alistair Dutton, Secretary General of Caritas Internationalis. Speaking to the press after his return from a visit to the region, Dutton said that the Christians in Palestine are determined to remain in the region despite the inhuman conditions and hardships they are facing.

Dutton described the plight of Palestinians, particularly in the West Bank and Gaza, where access to basic necessities remains severely limited. “In Gaza, humanitarian aid has dwindled to a trickle, with only six aid trucks entering in a month, compared to the 500 needed daily before the October 2023 attacks”, he said. “Despite these constraints, Caritas teams on the ground continue to provide critical services, including health care, psychological support, and basic supplies”.

Dutton added that the situation in Jerusalem, once a bustling hub of tourism and activity, remains grim. He described the city as eerily quiet, with empty streets and collapsed local economies. “Churches, including the Holy Sepulchre, now see a fraction of the visitors they once did”, Dutton said.

The Secretary General expressed deep concern over the disproportionate violence in Gaza and the suppression felt in the West Bank. During his visit to Jenin, Dutton stayed with Caritas workers, witnessing firsthand the isolation and loss of livelihoods experienced by Palestinians. 

Caritas has reached over 1.6 million people across Gaza, Jerusalem, and the West Bank in the past year through emergency responses that include health care, shelter, and basic supplies. However, Dutton stressed that international intervention is essential to ensure the safety of civilians, facilitate the delivery of aid, and work towards a ceasefire.

In light of the region’s hardships, Palestinian Christians find strength in their proximity to the sacred stories of the Bible. As Christmas approaches, they remain anchored in their faith, drawing inspiration from the land where Jesus walked and the message of hope that sustains them through the current crisis.

Dutton also addressed the precarious ceasefire in Lebanon between Israel and Hezbollah, expressing hope that it could serve as a step toward peace in the Middle East, while cautioning about its fragility. He further criticized the broader geopolitical dynamics prolonging suffering in the region, likening the Middle East’s plight to "grass suffering when elephants fight."

Dutton echoed Pope Francis’s urgent calls for a ceasefire and the release of hostages on both sides. “This war is hurting everyone and perpetuating a cycle of violence that will impact generations to come,” he said, urging the international community to act swiftly to bring peace to the region.

Courtesy: Vatican News