The Israeli activist, a key figure in the peace process, talks to AsiaNews about the creation of a Palestinian committee to administer the Strip. Hamas and the Palestinian National Authority are ready to go along. The disastrous humanitarian situation is one of the many unresolved issues. Uncertainties surround the international peacekeeping force, while “different agendas and parties [are] pulling in different directions”. The situation in Iran is not a source of concern.

The chairman of Yemen’s Saudi-backed Presidential Leadership Council declares a state of emergency and cancels a defence pact with the United Arab Emirates. Saudi Arabia carries out airstrikes against ships carrying weapons for the separatists. Already caught up in a conflict with pro-Iranian rebels, Yemen is a risk of further violence and chaos. In the background, Israel recognises an independent Somaliland, ostensibly as part of its war against the Houthis (and Tehran).

Despite the ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel, the conflict continues on the southern border. Economic and human interdependence in the region is such that when one village suffers, everyone suffers. Garlands and nativity scenes timidly decorate the deserted alleys. The Christmas market at the Sacred Hearts School. ‘For us, it means telling the world that we are here for life.’

This is what the Jerusalem Voice for Justice (JVJ) writes in their holiday message, whose members include Catholic Patriarch Emeritus Michel Sabbah, Greek Orthodox Archbishop Atallah Hanna, Lutheran Bishop Mounib Younan, and Jesuit Father David Neuhaus. Destruction and oppression cannot dampen the desire to celebrate. “We rejoice and celebrate, but with awareness and caution for every day we are exposed to the danger of death and war”.

The cardinal is visiting Christian communities in Gaza, ravaged by more than two years of war. Tomorrow, the traditional solemn Mass will be celebrated, with a focus on rebuilding and healing hearts. The patriarchs and heads of Christian Churches in Jerusalem have issued an appeal to Israeli authorities for Gaza’s sick children, asking for them to be cared for at the Augusta Victoria Hospital.

The parish priest of the Holy Family shares a video testimony of these days of Advent with AsiaNews. Life has ‘slightly improved’ after the ceasefire, but the war ‘continues’. The humanitarian emergency remains current in a climate ‘of great depression because there is no end in sight’. A tormented community that finds strength in faith and prayer.