The Argentine priest Gabriel Romanelli, parish priest of the Sagrada Familia in Gaza, warned that the absence of Gaza in news headlines in recent weeks should not be interpreted as an improvement in the situation, as the conflict continues and the civilian population continues to suffer serious consequences, as he explained in a message disseminated on the occasion of the feast of the Sagrada Familia.
Romanelli pointed out that, after the ceasefire of recent months, Gaza has been progressively disappearing from media attention, which can create the mistaken perception that the war has ended. However, he stated that the situation on the ground remains critical.
The conflict and the humanitarian emergency persist
According to the priest, more than two million people continue without stable solutions to cover basic needs. In recent days, the population has been affected by torrential rains, intense cold, and the deterioration of improvised camps. According to local estimates cited by Romanelli, more than 100,000 tents would have been damaged by the rains.
He also reported the collapse of dozens of homes and the existence of fatalities, both due to weather conditions and new bombings in different areas of the Strip, which confirms that hostilities have not completely ceased.
Political uncertainty and fear among the population
Romanelli also alluded to the uncertainty generated by ongoing diplomatic movements, in reference to the trip of the Israeli prime minister to the United States and the conversations about a possible second phase of the process after the ceasefire.
As he explained, there is fear among the population regarding contradictory information about reconstruction, the eventual withdrawal of the Israeli army from southern Gaza, and the possible arrival of an international stabilization force, which, to date, would not be formally established.
The priest indicated that one of the conditions most mentioned these days is the disarmament of Hamas, although he acknowledged that doubts persist about how that process would be carried out and who would be responsible for implementing it.
Everyday life
Despite the seriousness of the context, Romanelli affirmed that life continues amid the ruins. He pointed out that marriages are celebrated, activities for children, and other solidarity initiatives promoted by various associations. He also confirmed that part of the humanitarian aid is arriving, although he emphasized that it remains insufficient in the face of the magnitude of the needs.
Celebration of the Sagrada Familia in Gaza
In his message, the priest highlighted the celebration of the patronal mass of the Sagrada Familia parish, which took place in an atmosphere of recollection and solemnity. During the liturgy, the consecration of the parish, the local Christian community, and all the inhabitants of Gaza to the Sagrada Familia of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph was renewed.
Romanelli recalled that in previous years the parish was successively consecrated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, and to the Heart of Saint Joseph, and that every year this consecration is renewed on the feast of the Sagrada Familia.
The parish priest also emphasized the spiritual significance of Gaza within the Christian tradition, recalling that, according to a constant tradition, the Sagrada Familia would have passed through this region during the flight to Egypt narrated in the Gospel. In that context, he linked the liturgical celebration with the current suffering of the civilian population and the situation of displaced families.
The message concluded with a call to prayer for peace, life, and family, as well as for all the victims of the conflict.