Israel-Hamas deal: Romanelli, “the war devastated Gaza, but the release of the hostages marks the first true step towards peace”

“Let us hope and pray that today’s events mark the beginning of a genuine path to peace. Let us embrace the hope that there will be no more war. We know it won’t be easy, but we’re also aware that those who don’t want war far outnumber those who want it to continue. Let us pray for peace and justice. Our fervent hope is that all those affected by this conflict will be able to return to Gaza and rebuild their lives, a place where, it should be remembered, everything is in short supply.”

Speaking to SIR, Father Gabriel Romanelli, parish priest at the Holy Family Church — the only Catholic parish in Gaza — commented on the release of Israeli hostages on Monday after 738 days, alongside the release of Palestinian prisoners. He conveyed his gratitude during Sunday Mass, the first in two years without bombs. The Argentine-born parish priest is hopeful that the situation in the Strip will improve soon because, as he recalls, “the situation here is terrible. We continue to provide assistance to the refugees within the parish (approximately 450 people, Ed.’s note), local residents, and those in greatest need by sharing whatever food, water, and medicine we have. However, everything is in short supply, with shortages becoming worse every day, including electricity, water, fuel and medicines”, notes Father Romanelli, who is fully aware that it will take more than a few years to repair the damage caused by the war.

Forgiveness. But some concrete sign of help is starting to arrive. “We received food aid at our parish,” he said. “The relief parcels consist of fruit and vegetables, which we are distributing together with the Greek Orthodox parish of St. Porphyry.” However, the parish priest notes,

“Concrete gestures of help must be accompanied by reconciliation, charity and forgiveness.”

Forgiveness is the key that can shatter every wall of resistance: “Everyone must be forgiven,” Father Romanelli repeats. “Forgiveness can bring light to Gaza’s darkness.” In the hours following the ceasefire, says Father Romanelli, “many Christians left the parish grounds to see what remained of their homes. Some of them could not come close to the neighbourhood where they lived before the war broke out because of the chaotic situation inside the Strip, half of which is under the control of the Israeli army.

“Gaza has been destroyed,” says the parish priest, “worse than an earthquake, than a tsunami. People live with the constant fear that another devastating wave may strike again. Nothing or very little is left standing.” 

Father Romanelli explains the situation in Gaza today based on the experience of a Christian family who, after finding their home destroyed by Israeli shelling, went to stay with relatives on the fourth floor of a partially destroyed building. “They used a wooden panel to block off a collapsed wall and create a room in which to live. Their decision was driven by the arrival of cold weather and the rainy season. The upcoming arrival of winter will soon plunge Gaza into a dire situation. The population has nothing left, and the much-promised aid must arrive urgently — not only food, but adequate temporary housing too. Otherwise, it will be a catastrophe. We trust in the efforts of the international community,” he concludes. “We need aid, and we need to see the root causes of this war removed. Today, people continue to die even without bombs. They are dying from a lack of medical care, drinking water and food. ” Meanwhile, the parish community continues to pray for peace to prevail over war.