From the small Latin parish aid to almost 40,000 people in northern Gaza

In November, fresh fruit and vegetables were distributed to 5,000 families, Christian and Muslim, thanks to convoys organised by the Patriarchate with the Sovereign Order of Malta. Work is also underway to set up a medical centre and to reopen the school in the parish. Card. Pizzaballa: "It is not just a response to needs, but a moral duty towards these brothers".

Jerusalem (AsiaNews) - 140 tons of aid, benefitting almost 40,000 people, that is, 10% of the population left in the north of the Gaza Strip after the massive displacement caused by Israeli military operations.

This is the balance that the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem has released through its website on the solidarity initiatives carried out in support of the civilian population by the parish of the Holy Family, the tiny Catholic community in Gaza led by Fr. Gabriele Romanelli.

This reality is not spared the death and destruction that affects everyone living in the Strip, but which over the months has become an important reference point for those trying to survive in the midst of this war. The organisation and distribution of humanitarian aid is one of the fruits made possible by the visit made on 16 May by the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Card. Pierbattista Pizzaballa.

Thanks to the cooperation with the Sovereign Order of Malta and its solidarity agency Malteser International, the arrival of convoys with essential goods for the refugees in the parish has continued on other occasions, despite enormous logistical and security problems.

In September 2024, the operation reached a milestone with the delivery of 20 tonnes of fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as 40 tonnes of food and hygiene supplies. In October, the effort doubled, with 40 tonnes of fresh produce reaching the community.

In November, the relief initiative provided crucial support to more than 1,000 families in the Christian community and areas surrounding the Holy Family compound: each family received 20 kilograms of non-perishable goods. In addition, 5,000 families received 5 kilograms of fresh fruit and vegetables each.

The Latin Patriarchate, in cooperation with its partners, is committed to supporting this vital mission. Efforts are being made to make possible the delivery of two shipments per month, each with 100 tons of basic necessities. In addition, efforts are being made to establish a medical facility within the Holy Family compound to meet urgent medical needs and to enable the reopening of the Patriarchate school.

"We share the deep sorrow of our brothers and sisters in Gaza, who for over a year have endured the tragic reality of this total devastation," Card. Pierbattista Pizzaballa -. The relief operation is not only a response to their needs, but also a moral duty on our part towards our brothers and sisters. It is our way of saying that we are at their side, that we embrace their suffering and that we will never abandon them'.