Bishop Palinuro tells AsiaNews about the Holy Week celebrations, just a few months after the Pope’s visit. The repercussions of the Gulf War are hitting the most vulnerable: the poor, migrants and refugees. Ankara “has not responded” to Tehran’s “provocations” and remains a “moderating presence” in regional conflicts. Pope Leo XIV’s apostolic journey continues to “yield positive results”.
On the eve of Passover, the Rossing Centre expert speaks with concern of a country that today seems to have lost faith in coexistence. “For us Jews, this is a Passover dominated by a sense of exhaustion.” The war fronts, from Gaza to Iran, fuel hatred and divisions. Blockades, discrimination against Muslims and even Christians. The work of those who nevertheless try to listen to the other’s reasons, keeping hope alive, is fundamental.
The celebrations for the start of Holy Week were subdued in response to recent violence. In Suqaylabiyah, extremist groups targeted Christian businesses and young women walking down the street. The archbishop of Homs reports that the situation is calm now, but problems remain unresolved. It is wrong to entrust weapons and security solely to Sunnis. A “cycle of revenge" is “silently” unfolding.
The extremists set up a tent and raised an Israeli flag. The attacks aimed at seizing land carry religious, political, legal, and symbolic implications. For the local parish priest, Father Bashar, despite difficult circumstances, the Christian community wants to celebrate Easter "with deep faith”. The patriarchs and heads of the Churches of Jerusalem issued a message of peace.
The alarm has been raised by the president of the National Farmers’ Union. Harvests in the coming Yala and Maha seasons are at risk, with the threat of a severe food shortage. Around 130,000 tonnes of fertiliser are needed for rice, but stocks stand at just 60,000 tonnes. For industry operators, the problem reflects a deeper structural vulnerability.
Expert wars of a "depressing and grim" situation in the country. Hezbollah’s accusations of treason, along with its open challenge to the government, threaten to further inflame the domestic situation. The arrival of US Marines in the region fuels fears of escalation. Meanwhile, Israel continues to advance across the border in the south.
