Gaza’s small Christian community is preparing for what it hopes will be its first peaceful Christmas in two years, despite ongoing challenges in the war-torn territory. The enclave has only three churches, including the Holy Family Church, which held a special place in the heart of the late Pope Francis, who maintained almost daily contact with the parish in his final months.
The church itself suffered heavily during the conflict, with several parishioners killed by Israeli sniper fire and possibly a tank shell that struck the building. Father Gabriel Romanelli, the parish priest who was injured during the fighting but refused to leave his congregation despite evacuation orders, said preparations for Christmas are underway under extremely difficult conditions.
Speaking to Aid to Church in Need, Father Romanelli highlighted the ongoing needs of Gaza’s population. “There are over two million people here who have nothing and need everything,” he said. “We are organising choirs and dabke dances, and we may even hold a small show outside the church compound if conditions allow.”
While a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has reduced large-scale violence since October, incidents continue. On Tuesday, four civilians were wounded when an Israeli drone targeted the Al-Tuffah district.
Conditions have improved in some areas, with aid reaching families through the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem. Father Romanelli said, “Since the fighting stopped, we have been able to help over 12,000 families thanks to the support we received. I am even trying to get some chocolate for the children, whatever the cost, it will bring them joy.”
During the conflict, hundreds of mostly Christian locals took refuge in the church, a situation that largely continues. Father Romanelli described the slow process of recovery: “Some people are trying to clean what is left of their homes, but there is no reconstruction yet. The lack of resources causes suffering, and the lack of prospects leaves people anxious.”
He concluded with a call for prayer: “We should pray a lot – for peace and for all the inhabitants of this Holy Land, whether in Gaza, Palestine, or Israel.”
Adapted from Christian Today UK.
