Pope appeals for peace in strife-torn Gaza after killings
-07/11/06
In one of his regu
Pope appeals for peace in strife-torn Gaza after killings
-07/11/06
In one of his regular appearances to thousands of pilgrims gathered in St Peter’s Square, Rome, Pope Benedict XVI, leader of the wordís 1.2 billion Catholics, spoke of how he was following, with “great concern, … news of the grave deterioration of the situation in the Gaza Strip.”
His comments came shortly after further comment from development and civil rights groups on the ground, indicating that the situation continues to be dire in the war-torn area.
After reciting the Angelus, a prayer giving thanks for Mary the mother of Jesus, the pontiff expressed his sense of “closeness to the civilian populations suffering the consequences of acts of violence.”
“I ask you,” he said, “to join me in prayer to the Almighty and Merciful God [to] enlighten the Israeli and Palestinian authorities, as well as those of nations with a particular responsibility in the region, ensuring they make every effort to put an end to bloodshed, increase humanitarian aid initiatives and favour the immediate resumption of direct and serious negotiations.”
The Popeís appeal followed news that that 18 people from Beit Hanoun in the Northern Gaza Strip have been killed in two days. These include a 75-year-old man shot by snipers ñ according to Dr Bandalay Sayegh, regional director for Caritas Jerusalem, part of the international aid network.
Dr Sayegh explained: “We understand that over 100 are injured and the numbers are rising in the fighting which is ongoing. The citizens of Beit Hanoun are now calling for the Red Cross to come and help to evacuate the wounded. It is an unbelievably dangerous situation for all the people of Beit Hanoun at this time. Anything that moves is targeted.”
He also made an emotional appeal for blood donations. “I myself gave blood today as the hospitals are urgently requesting this. All of the negative blood types are needed.”
North Gaza is not the only area being targeted. “An incursion is taking place in SE Gaza and near the Rafah crossing in southern Gaza as we speak. We understand that some shooting is also taking place at Shejayea in Eastern Gaza as well.” Many people in Gaza believe that a major invasion in coming at any time.
Dr Sayegh declared: “We understand that the Israeli army is seeking to enter the hospital in Beit Hanoun to arrest injured wanted persons. The situation in Beit Hanoun is very unpredictable. People are short on food and water and are preparing for a much larger scale invasion. There is no milk for babies available. People in Beit Hanoun are calling all relief organizations for help.”
Caritas Jerusalem is urging the parties to immediately cease all military activities so that the injured can be treated.
A spokesperson said: ìIt is essential that all attacks directed at Gaza and at southern Israel from Gaza stop. It is vital that urgent international intervention take place in Gaza to restore order, treat the wounded and to allow for those who have died to be buried with dignity.î
Part of an international Catholic agency, Caritas Jerusalem is currently undertaking a nine month emergency intervention in Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem. The work began in June 2006.
Pope appeals for peace in strife-torn Gaza after killings
-07/11/06
In one of his regular appearances to thousands of pilgrims gathered in St Peter’s Square, Rome, Pope Benedict XVI, leader of the wordís 1.2 billion Catholics, spoke of how he was following, with “great concern, … news of the grave deterioration of the situation in the Gaza Strip.”
His comments came shortly after further comment from development and civil rights groups on the ground, indicating that the situation continues to be dire in the war-torn area.
After reciting the Angelus, a prayer giving thanks for Mary the mother of Jesus, the pontiff expressed his sense of “closeness to the civilian populations suffering the consequences of acts of violence.”
“I ask you,” he said, “to join me in prayer to the Almighty and Merciful God [to] enlighten the Israeli and Palestinian authorities, as well as those of nations with a particular responsibility in the region, ensuring they make every effort to put an end to bloodshed, increase humanitarian aid initiatives and favour the immediate resumption of direct and serious negotiations.”
The Popeís appeal followed news that that 18 people from Beit Hanoun in the Northern Gaza Strip have been killed in two days. These include a 75-year-old man shot by snipers ñ according to Dr Bandalay Sayegh, regional director for Caritas Jerusalem, part of the international aid network.
Dr Sayegh explained: “We understand that over 100 are injured and the numbers are rising in the fighting which is ongoing. The citizens of Beit Hanoun are now calling for the Red Cross to come and help to evacuate the wounded. It is an unbelievably dangerous situation for all the people of Beit Hanoun at this time. Anything that moves is targeted.”
He also made an emotional appeal for blood donations. “I myself gave blood today as the hospitals are urgently requesting this. All of the negative blood types are needed.”
North Gaza is not the only area being targeted. “An incursion is taking place in SE Gaza and near the Rafah crossing in southern Gaza as we speak. We understand that some shooting is also taking place at Shejayea in Eastern Gaza as well.” Many people in Gaza believe that a major invasion in coming at any time.
Dr Sayegh declared: “We understand that the Israeli army is seeking to enter the hospital in Beit Hanoun to arrest injured wanted persons. The situation in Beit Hanoun is very unpredictable. People are short on food and water and are preparing for a much larger scale invasion. There is no milk for babies available. People in Beit Hanoun are calling all relief organizations for help.”
Caritas Jerusalem is urging the parties to immediately cease all military activities so that the injured can be treated.
A spokesperson said: ìIt is essential that all attacks directed at Gaza and at southern Israel from Gaza stop. It is vital that urgent international intervention take place in Gaza to restore order, treat the wounded and to allow for those who have died to be buried with dignity.î
Part of an international Catholic agency, Caritas Jerusalem is currently undertaking a nine month emergency intervention in Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem. The work began in June 2006.