Gaza Strip
The suffering of children, mothers, and the elderly trying to survive the winter in shaky, rain-flooded tents, with two million people enduring this tragic reality in Gaza, is a heart- wrenching scene that fills one with helplessness and despair. This dire humanitarian situation, where over 800,000 Gazans are at risk from severe winter flooding, is not just a natural catastrophe but a direct consequence of a political deadlock: reconstruction and essential aid efforts remain frozen in the first stage of the US-brokered peace plan. Progress to the demilitarization and reconstruction-focused Phase Two is predicated on the completion of Phase One, which has failed due to the missing remains of an Israeli, whose return is a prerequisite.
Who can put an end to the suffering?!
When will we have a roof over our head?
We, too, feel helpless—but we are not hopeless. Humanitarian efforts in Gaza are severely constrained and face systemic denials, making large-scale intervention virtually impossible. While critical aid like food and fuel is being distributed, essential items such as electric generators and ready-made clinics are often denied entry. Israel’s restrictions continue to block major reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts, though limited repairs, such as to communication lines, are ongoing. The tragedy continues, with aid access facing operational challenges and critical resources still far short of what is needed.
Amid this impossible situation, CNEWA – Pontifical Mission in Jerusalem continues to work with our partners in Gaza to provide what little we can: food, water, medicine, hygiene kits, and psychosocial support. We also encourage our partners on the ground to think creatively, exploring whether any small-scale private interventions might improve conditions. We are confident in the talent and creativity of Gaza’s youth and hope they can develop ideas to transform the tons of waste and rubble into something useful. Spreading hope in a hopeless land is a profound challenge, but we will never tire.
West Bank – Bethlehem Governorate
In the West Bank, a devastating, though distinct, crisis is unfolding, particularly in Bethlehem, where providing livelihoods has become a serious challenge as many breadwinners have lost their jobs in Israel and Jerusalem due to closures and the revocation of work permits. This widespread job loss is compounded by increased incidents of harassment, intimidation, and physical attacks by Israeli settlers on Palestinian farmers during the olive harvest season, resulting in blocked access to agricultural land, damage to olive trees, and the loss of entire harvests which is a vital source of income. This drastic reality, marked by checkpoints, land confiscation, home demolitions, and the collapse of tourism and pilgrimage, creates severe economic and security pressures that are driving more Palestinians, including Christian Palestinians, to consider migration despite their deep connection to their homeland.
When will my mother cook for me one of her delicious meals?
When will I resume my education?
Serious interventions and meaningful contributions are urgently required to help these communities remain resilient in their homeland until a just resolution is found. To address this immediate crisis, CNEWA – Pontifical Mission had an emergency program in Bethlehem, collaborating with the municipalities of Bethlehem, Beit Sahour, and Beit Jala and Shepherds Field Hospital that will continue to create temporary jobs for the unemployed as well as support for the community. Furthermore, we are conducting a ground assessment to prepare for another emergency program in Bethlehem, anticipating that the economic situation will remain severe.
The Christian Community in Gaza and the West Bank
Amidst the impossible situation, CNEWA–Pontifical Mission has gathered vital data on the 198 remaining Christian families in Gaza (170 Orthodox, 28 Catholic) to plan future interventions. Preliminary results reveal the devastating scale of loss: approximately 50% of these families have lost their homes, and 86% have lost their belongings. Currently, 141 families are sheltered in Gaza’s two churches. Damage assessment shows about 33% of Christian homes are completely destroyed and 31% are uninhabitable without serious rehabilitation.
When will we have a normal life again?
When will this deluge of destruction end?
Meanwhile, in the West Bank, the Christian community is driven to despair by a stalled economy, scarce jobs, and fragile security, with tourist numbers still far too low for economic revival. We continue to explore creative ways to support youth, including soliciting micro-business proposals, alongside the urgent need for funding for job creation and home rehabilitation.
To hope in such a desperate environment is overwhelming, but in this season of Advent, as we prepare for the coming of the Saviour, hope is a necessity, a conviction, and a deep and steadfast belief.
Wishing you a blessed Advent and a Happy Christmas!