Speaking to AsiaNews, the parish priest describes the tragic reality of a population that is getting more desperate by the day. The war continues in the shadow of Israel-Iran confrontation, with a glimmer of hope for fresh ceasefire negotiations. Netanyahu is set to visit the White House next week. Palestinians in Gaza show photos of Israeli children killed by Hamas on 7 October.
At least a hundred people attacked Kafr Malik, then soldiers opened fire on civilians, killing and wounding several. A 15-year-old boy was also killed in Al-Yamoun. “We live under constant fire from settlers, and under the crossfire of the Israeli occupation army,” said Fr Bashar Fawadleh, “but we are not afraid to remain in our land.”
In a situation that remains “worrying” despite the ceasefire between Israel and Iran, Monsignor Martinelli recalls that “the possibility of dialogue must never be abandoned”. The document on brotherhood is a “response of peace to violence”. Prayer and friendship initiatives at the Abrahamic Family House in the footsteps of St Francis. Places are needed to “experience hope, peace and reconciliation”.
Leo XIV has approved the election of the new leader of the Franciscan presence in the Holy Places, following in the footsteps of the saint of Assisi. Italian, 55 years old, the new custos takes over from Francesco Patton who has reached the end of his mandate. For the Minister General of the Friars Minor Massimo Fusarelli, "The particular context of conflict and violence” in the Holy Land and in the Middle East “makes our mission in these places even more urgent.”
The Middle East accounts for 25% of total tea exports. And 60% of private remittances come from the 1.5 million migrants working in the region. A 5% drop in orders could cost up to million a year. Attention is focused on the Strait of Hormuz for possible blockades by Tehran.
Speaking to AsiaNews, the activist slams the escalation with Iran. The Gaza War is no longer making headlines, but atrocities continue and the hostage issue remains unsolved. In Israel, normal life has been put on hold as Iranian missiles cause “scenes of destruction”. In this context, it is hard to see what the future has in store, except that “many Israelis would like to leave the country.”
