The man and his wife were returning home after visiting neighbours. The murder took place at 11 pm; the elderly man was hit by five bullets and died in hospital. For some local politicians, a campaign is underway to "frighten, intimidate and drive away Syriacs”.
Malaysia’s government and public opinion show closeness to civilians affected by the conflict in the Gaza Strip. Israel and its US ally are accused of "atrocities". Editorials and articles back the Palestinian cause. Indonesia rejects the Israeli military’s claim that the Indonesian hospital in Gaza is used by Hamas.
As in the days of Isis, the conflict threatens to inflame the squares of Muslim-majority nations. With the exception of Thailand, the countries in the region close to the Palestinians and Gaza; thousands of people in the streets shouting 'Allah Akhbar'. The war in the Strip fought on Tik Tok with fake news and fake profiles.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas has led to "Jew-hunting" in Dagestan. This event is astonishing because there were no significant precedents of aggression in the past. The various ethnic-religious groups in the area coexisted without mixing, but avoiding fuelling disputes or tensions. Memory distorted by propaganda.
Great attention is focused on the 'northern' front due to the possible involvement of Lebanon and Syria. The fear is that the conflict could inflame the Muslim square and involve other movements, starting with Hezbollah. Today at 3pm in Beirut Nasrallah's awaited speech. The local Church responds to the war with prayer and fasting.
From Yemen, the Houthis attack southern Israel with drone strikes. Iran's supreme leader calls on Muslims (and Arabs) to rally against the Jewish State, starting with an economic boycott. Faced with the risk of an expansion of the war in Gaza, Msgr. Martinelli speaks of a "prophetic place" of "confrontation and peace". Do not bend religion to a "purpose of conquest". The Pope returns to the Emirates for COP28.
A bloody thread runs along the history of Iraq’s Christian community in the last 20 years. The Chaldean patriarch bemoans the lack of ‘guarantees" of "real security" and a “stable future". The wedding party tragedy in the Nineveh plain helps drive Christians away. The cardinal does not mince words about a Christian militia that attacks and divides Christians rather than protect them.
For Bernard Sabella, the failure of the peace process and the delegitimisation of the Palestinian Authority have left a "political vacuum”. The United States and the international community should work to avoid escalating “violence and vengefulness”. Iranian Foreign Minister and his Vatican counterpart talk on the phone. Card Pizzaballa consecrated the Holy Land to Mary.
For the Vicar of Anatolia, it is necessary to respond to the serious issues underlying the conflict, starting with a Palestinian state. The great powers ought to “step aside" in favour of a local process, which will be long, to bring peace to the region. Prayer and fasting can “extinguish the “mounting hatred.”
The cardinal is "worried" about the escalation in Gaza, and the danger that it might inflame the entire Middle East. Religion is used to fuel a “political conflict”. In Lebanon, Hezbollah’s leader met with two senior officials from Hamas and Islamic Jihad. In Gaza, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees has seen its capacity to meet needs outstripped by demand.
The jubilee year opens today in the Church of Arabia 15 centuries (it was 15 October 523) after the massacre of the saint of Najran and his companions. Msgr Berardi: discover the "rich Christian past of the Arabian Peninsula". Vicar of the South: Promote awareness of the "most precious witness" of the Missionaries of Charity.
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.
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.
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.”
Fr Raed Abu Sahlieh reports “high tensions” with fighter jets and drones flying over northern Israel. In 58 years, he has “never seen so much anger, hatred, devastation." Israel is now censoring the media, detaining people even for social media posts. Last night was "better despite the bombings, which were a little less intense,” says Gaza parish priest. Masses are held on Zoom because of fear of bombs. Fr Szwed, of the Jewish-speaking community in Jaffa, is set to hold “the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament” so that peace may return for all.
France warns Lebanon (and the pro-Iranian Shiite movement) against a simmering war that threatens to sink the country. But Hezbollah will not allow an Israeli invasion of Gaza "without reacting". For the Lebanese, the inhuman terrorism of Hamas has fed on the blind policy of the Israeli right wing that uses force, despises the law, and practices apartheid.
The vicar of Northern Arabia expresses concern for the escalating war between Israel and Hamas. An invasion of Gaza could have repercussions for the entire region. Pope Francis met today with Bahraini King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa in the Vatican, renewing dialogue and exchange. Our Lady cathedral has become a tourist destination for Christians and Muslims.
Sultan Al Remeithi, former secretary general of the Muslim Council of Elders and today a member of the Committee created after the document signed in Abu Dhabi by Pope Francis and Al-Tayyeb, speaks to AsiaNews of a conflict that is the fruit of a "long history" of unresolved "political and social tensions", fuelled by "violence and hate speech". The consequences on the 'Abraham Accords' and the normalisation of relations with the Arab world. "Politics, diplomacy and the international community can stop the war, not religious leaders".
The Secretary of State hopes that some "room for dialogue" can be found “without delay". Peace must be based on "justice" and a two-state solution. The “hostages must be returned immediately”. Pro-Palestinian rallies break out across the Middle East. Hamas calls for resistance amid fears of a “second Nakba". Card Pizzaballa laments the "dramatic" situation, fearing that the conflict "is becoming increasingly religious".
A member of Rabbis for Human Rights, Milgrom is concerned about a possible ground operation in Gaza that would have a "high" cost in terms of lives, like in Lebanon. Despite the brutality of attacks and kidnappings, and the fear of new attacks, "We cannot fuel the spiral of violence". Meanwhile, Patriarch Pizzaballa has called for a day of fasting and prayer to draw strength and “deliver to God the Father our thirst for peace, justice, and reconciliation.”
From Bethlehem, the Catholic leader, a former Fatah representative, hopes for a way out but admits that the voices of dialogue are "losers". He fears a ground invasion will trigger action from Hezbollah and Iran. In the West Bank, the Israeli army blocks roads and isolates villages to stifle Palestinian protest. AsiaNews publishes excerpts from his address to the Council of Europe today.
Showing great caution, the Japanese prime minister waited 24 hours before speaking out, unlike US and British leaders. While condemning the attack by Hamas, he urged both parties to show restraint and did not use the word "terrorism". Japan has been trying to carve its own path in the Arab world, independent of its Western allies. Japanese nationals have been warned to stay away from the conflict zone.
A voice for peace and founder with Khaled Abu Awad of the Israeli-Palestinian Friends of Roots group, the rabbi relays tragic stories in the wage of the attack from the Strip. “Today everyone is a target without distinctions,” he laments. "International pressure" is needed for the release of the hostages. Recovering the bodies of the young participants to the rave party killed by Hamas militants is a difficult task. Gaza’s Catholic parish priest fears what is to come, possibly a "much longer conflict", one that is a “substantial change” from the recent past.
Thousands of rockets from the Strip towards southern Israel, and incursions by militiamen who have taken control of some centres in 'enemy' territory. Numerous deaths, but there is also talk of dozens of hostages taken to Gaza. Israel is responding with massive air raids. The Palestinian action taken at dawn on Shabbat, 50 years after the Yom Kippur war. Fr. Romanelli: for months 'we had activated all preparations for an emergency situation'.
The ceremony was originally planned for 19 February, but was postponed due to the earthquake. It is the only Christian (Syrian Orthodox) building built in the last century in Turkey. It can accommodate 750 worshippers inside, and there were many requests for the inaugural service. Christian leader: a message of freedom and tolerance.
The Muslim Council of Elders opened an office in the Indonesian capital during yesterday’s conference. The Council plans to work with other groups in Malaysia and Pakistan. Focus on the environment coincides with Laudate Deum, and comes a few weeks before COP28 in Dubai. Christians and Muslims share the same concern for the environment. The Bandung Eco Camp highlights the Church’s commitment at work.
The bishop of Penang is one of 21 cardinals who received their biretta from Pope Francis. He is enthusiastic about a youthful reality that is a source of hope for the mission. Relations with Muslims are marked by trust and fraternity. He will bring to the synod the voice of Asian families and their contribution to the future.
The Latin patriarch received his cardinal's biretta from Pope Francis. The presence of the Greek Orthodox Patriarch was a sign of progress in ecumenism. Christians in the Holy Land face the problems and challenges of the West (the family) and the East (the exodus). The patriarch expressed proximity to Card Sako and stressed Jerusalem’s role as a bridge with Asia’s Churches and faiths.
