Despite the devastating war between Israel and Hamas, the Christian community in the Holy Land remains hopeful, just days before Christmas. According to Alistair Dutton, director of Caritas Internationalis, the Catholic Church’s humanitarian aid organisation, this hope is deeply rooted in their faith and connection with the divine. It gives them the strength to carry on, even amid immense difficulties.
The war has had a profound impact on the Christian community, affecting them both materially and spiritually. Yet, they hold on to hope as a matter of survival, allowing them to maintain their sense of purpose and future. Dutton emphasized that hope is not just a superficial feeling, but a journey of self-discovery that gives people the strength to persevere.
Caritas Internationalis has been working tirelessly to provide humanitarian aid to those affected by the war. Despite the challenges, they have managed to help over 1.6 million people in Gaza, Jerusalem, and the West Bank. Their efforts include providing health services, food support, and basic equipment, as well as mental health and psychological support.
However, the situation on the ground remains dire, with humanitarian aid struggling to reach those in need. Dutton stressed that it is the responsibility of the international community to exert pressure to allow aid to enter Gaza and the West Bank. He also emphasized that ending the violence will not be easy, but hopes that peace can be achieved in time.