Macron expresses ‘great concern’ about Gaza Catholic parish

PARIS: French President Emmanuel Macron expressed “great concern” about a Catholic parish in Gaza with the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, his office said on Sunday.

Macron spoke with Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa by telephone to discuss the “tragic situation” there since the outbreak of war between Israel and Palestinian Hamas militants on Oct. 7.
“Hundreds of civilians of all confessions ... have been living under bombs and bullets for more than two months while worshippers and nuns take care of the sick, elderly or disabled,” Macron was quoted as saying.

The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem said on Dec. 16 that an Israeli soldier shot dead “in cold blood” a Christian mother and daughter on the grounds of the Gaza Strip’s only Catholic church.

Macron offered his condolences for the parishioners who he said were killed “shamefully” a week after Pope Francis deplored their deaths.
The Israeli army said that a review supported findings that no church was hit and that civilians were not injured or killed.
It said it “does not target civilians, no matter their religion.”
Macron asked Pizzaballa to “send a message of peace and solidarity to all Christians in the Holy Land and assure them France is by their side.”
The deadliest Gaza war was triggered by an unprecedented Hamas attack on Israel on Oct. 7.
A pall of gloom descended over Bethlehem on Christmas Eve as the Gaza war weighed heavily on the biblical city in the occupied West Bank and the usual crowds of pilgrims stayed away.
The traditional giant Christmas tree, marching bands, and flamboyant nativity scene were absent in the city.
While there were few festive lights, a huge Palestinian flag was unfolded in the center of town and a banner declared that “The bells of Bethlehem ring for a ceasefire in Gaza.”
Bethlehem is usually thronged with pilgrims and tourists at this time of year. But many residents have fled and few visitors have come since the start of the war.