Jerusalem Patriarch Warns Gaza Crisis Continues To Deepen Severely

[Mahmud]

The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, has expressed serious concern over the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza and the occupied West Bank. He said Palestinians continue to face increasing hardship as the crisis in the region deepens.

Speaking at a press conference in Paris on Thursday, Cardinal Pizzaballa stated that conditions across the Palestinian territories have steadily deteriorated since October 7, 2023. He warned that the ongoing suffering is creating greater instability and making the situation more difficult for civilians.

According to the patriarch, many people in Gaza are now living in temporary tents or among the ruins of their destroyed homes and communities. Large parts of the territory have been devastated, leaving thousands of families without proper shelter or basic services.

He also noted that reconstruction efforts have not yet begun and that there is still no clear plan or timeline for rebuilding Gaza. This uncertainty continues to affect residents who are struggling to rebuild their lives after months of destruction.

Despite the challenges, Cardinal Pizzaballa said the church remains active through its parish in Gaza City and the Holy Family School. The school is currently the only partially functioning educational institution of its kind in the territory and is providing education for about 600 students.

The patriarch further revealed that France and several international partners are supporting an initiative aimed at helping nearly 2,000 students beginning next September. The project is intended to preserve access to education and provide children in Gaza with a sense of normalcy despite the ongoing crisis.

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