As people avoid going out and travelling, the local market place lies empty. Many fear “worse days ahead " amid the prevailing "pessimism”. Given the current political situation, hope for a just peace is virtually nil. Christians are "part of a community" that is suffering. For Fr Jimenez, Israel and Palestine have “two different visions of the world".
Senior Israeli and Palestinian officials met yesterday in Jordan, committed to "de-escalation" and the preservation of the holy places. An attack by settlers in Huwara soon shot down the timid opening with more casualties on both sides. Israeli Finance Minister Smotrich denies reports of a settlement "freeze". Netanyahu pushes to impose the death penalty for terrorism.
Schools, universities and businesses shut down in the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem. Egypt and the UN try to mediate to prevent an escalation. UN special envoy bemoans an “already volatile situation. Israel’s Finance Minister Smotrich gets more powers over the Territories. Former Palestinian PM Ahmed Qureia, who played a key role in the Oslo Accords, dies.
On 19-21 November, economists and entrepreneurs under 35 from around the world will meet online. More than 40 countries will be connected, with live streaming from Assisi. Some 2,000 people have registered with at least 12 link-ups to 115 countries, four hours a day plus a 24-hour marathon on the second day, and contributions from more than 20 countries.
The meeting with the president of the German Bishops Conference, in all likelihood touched upon the assembly with "deliberative power" convoked by the Germans to address issues such as the separation of power in the Church, priestly life, women's access to ministry and to offices in the Church and sexual morality.
The Security Council slaps Israel on the wrist for its expansionist policies. Despite the mild rebuke, Israel rejects the criticism, slams the United States for supporting it. The Knesset passes the first reading of the justice reform bill, a “great day” for Netanyahu, this despite a poll indicating that most Israelis are against it.
