Pope Francis expressed concern for the sharp increase in violent incidents worldwide in a public audience on January 17. “Let us not forget the countries at war, let us not forget Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, and the people who have suffered greatly in the Gaza Strip,” he said.
The Russia’s war on Ukraine, which has not seen a ceasefire, began in the early hours of 24 February 2022, when Russian president, Vladimir Putin, announced on national television the launch of a special military operation against Ukraine. This has resulted in immense human suffering and triggered a refugee crisis. According to the United Nations Refugee Agency, as at the end of January 2023, over eight million Ukrainian refugees had fled to various parts of Europe, with more than 17 million people urgently needing humanitarian assistance and over five million internally displaced within Ukraine..
Despite these harrowing events, lessons seem not to have been learned. In October of last year, the Palestinian militant group Hamas launched attacks on southern Israel, resulting in over 700 deaths and sparking a war. In Gaza, the relentless conflict has reported claimed the lives of over 25,000 people, with about two-thirds being women and children. More than 300 healthcare and United Nations staff in Gaza have lost their lives. Approximately half of the buildings in Gaza have been destroyed or damaged, and only about 40 per cent of hospitals are partially operational.
According to the Associated Press, 100 hostages were released during a temporary truce in November, but Hamas still holds 132, including the remains of about two dozen who died or were killed. In the crossfire, it is the people who suffer the most.
Pope Francis has repeatedly called on the leaders of Israel and Palestine to set aside historical grievances and differences, urging other nations to avoid actions that would escalate tensions in the Middle East. The pope hopes for a swift ceasefire through dialogue and cooperation but unfortunately, this has not been achieved. “War always destroys; it does not spread love but hatred. War is truly the defeat of humanity. Let us pray for those who suffer in war,” the pope said.
On January 15, the Pierbattista Cardinal Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, met with the pope to discuss the situation and prospects for peace for the Christian communities in Gaza and the Holy Land. In Gaza, military operations are gradually moving south and parishes in the north currently experience fewer hostilities. However, the area has been stripped of everything, including water, electricity, and housing. All institutions have been evacuated, and humanitarian aid is urgently needed.
Cardinal Pizzaballa appealed to Israel and Hamas to put aside hatred, respect human life, and find communication channels. Peace is a gift from God and a mission that requires the collective efforts of everyone. Building a peaceful world must start from fundamental paces such as individual spirituality, family, relationships with others, and nature. It needs to extend from there to nations, fostering dialogue and efforts towards peace.
Care and concern can serve as a common language, breaking down barriers and establishing bridges of communication for dialogue. Let us strive towards peace together. SE
