Gaza

The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem wrote a letter to this community during “one of the most difficult and painful periods in our recent times and history.” The air strikes and deaths in Gaza must be denounced as much as what happened on 7 October. This tragedy “must lead us all, religious, political, civil society, international community, to a more serious commitment” because “We owe it to the many victims.” Christians should not fail to look at Jesus at present for he is the one who, from the Cross, told us that peace is not “victory over others”.

Patriarchs and community leaders, along with the archbishop of Canterbury, renew their commitment to “minister to the most vulnerable” in peace as in war, appealing to the international community to protect “hospitals, schools, and houses of worship”. Fr Romanelli mentions the fate of a father who died saving his son by shielding him at St Porphyrius church. A third humanitarian convoy enters the Gaza Strip. Palestinian sources report 400 deaths in the last 24 hours.

In a note, Christian leaders condemn the "licence to kill" given by the West to Netanyahu and the "atrocities" committed by Hamas against civilians. The fear of the country's involvement in the war, with dramatic outcomes for Christians and fears of a new exodus. The role of the pro-Iranian movement pushing for an escalation with Israel, the clashes penetrating into Lebanese territory.

Francis at the Angelus invited dioceses and parishes to be "burning hearts and walking feet". Proximity to the Anglican hospital and the Greek Orthodox church hit by bombing in recent days. "Brothers, stop. Open spaces for humanitarian aid."

Common prayer with Primate Welby in Jerusalem's Anglican cathedral. Also a Caritas worker and her family among the dead in the Orthodox church of Saint Porphyrios. Fr Romanelli: "Many wounded in the bombing were taken to the Latin parish in Gaza. Together we continue to ask Heaven for mercy and mercy and for those in authority to stop this situation immediately".

An Israeli airstrike hit the Greek Orthodox church and a nearby building sheltering displaced Muslims and Christians, killing at least 17, but the toll is likely higher. The 5th-century church is the oldest in the Strip named after the saint who spread Christianity in the area. The UN releases the latest war-related casualties.

The consequences on Israeli domestic politics of the Hamas massacre and the war in Gaza. For the analyst and founder of Ipcri, the Prime Minister, the only one not to apologise among the highest offices, is the "one ultimately responsible" for what happened and is plummeting in the polls. But the whole country will have to face 'the foundations' on which it has built consensus and power. Intelligence and the army, transformed into a police force in the West Bank, caught unprepared.

Stranded in the Gaza Strip, their fate worries the Philippine government but their resilience in the face of adversity is a source of pride for Filipinos at home. Israel is host to 30,000 migrants from the Asian country; at least four died in the Hamas attack on 7 October.

A member of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, the founder of the Catholic the Abouna news reiterated the positions of the Jordanian monarchy that "The Palestinians have the right to their own state." After the blast at Gaza's al-Ahli hospital, protesters took to the streets. For the Jordanian cleric, the resolution of the conflict can only pass through negotiations.

After the deaths from the explosion at the hospital, there is also great concern at the convent of the Missionaries of Charity, which is not far away and has taken in 600 people who no longer have a home. "In our homes there are disabled children and bed-ridden elderly people". In Jerusalem, the Indian Commissioner of the Holy Land celebrated Mass at the Sepulchre praying to "the Prince of Peace" for them.

Yet another appeal at the end of the general audience in St Peter's Square. The pontiff has called for another day of fasting and prayer for peace for 27 October, during which he will preside over a celebration. In the catechesis on the great witnesses of evangelisation the "apostolate of meekness of St Charles de Foudauld, prophecy for today's world".

Israelis blame Islamic Jihad and Palestinians who blame Israel for the blast that devastated one of Gaza’s few remaining functioning hospitals. Founded in 1882 and run by Anglicans, the Al Ahli Arab Hospital was considered an oasis of peace and solidarity, but above all, a place of medical care - in times of war and truce - open to all. Hundreds have died and its future is now uncertain. “The devastation,” the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem laments, “strikes at the very core of human decency.”