East jerusalem: Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Pierbattista Pizzaballa on Tuesday described the humanitarian situation in Gaza as 'morally unjustifiable,' stressing that delivering aid to the besieged enclave is no longer a matter of choice, but of survival. Speaking at a press conference in East Jerusalem alongside Greek Orthodox Patriarch Theophilos III, Pizzaballa emphasized that every hour without food, water, medicine, or shelter 'causes deep, irreversible harm.'
According to Anadolu Agency, the two patriarchs had just returned from a pastoral visit to the Holy Family Church in Gaza City, which was recently hit by an Israeli tank shell, resulting in the death of three people and injuring nine others. 'Our hearts are broken by what we saw in Gaza,' Pizzaballa stated, adding that they also witnessed moving stories of resilience and compassion amid the ruins.
Pizzaballa recounted scenes of destruction, hunger, and despair, stressing that aid must be viewed as a 'matter of life and death.' He warned that delays in delivering aid are not mere bureaucratic issues but 'death sentences for the innocent.' He described the sight of men standing for hours under the sun, hoping for a single meal, as a scene of unbearable humiliation and pain that no human conscience can accept.
Commending the efforts of local and international humanitarian workers, Pizzaballa highlighted the relentless dedication of individuals from various faiths and backgrounds who risk everything to restore life in Gaza. Addressing regional and global leaders, he warned against building a future on captivity, forced displacement, or revenge, urging the restoration of dignity and humanity.
Theophilos III echoed this call, noting that their hearts are heavy with sorrow but firm in faith. He spoke of walking among the wounded and grieving, witnessing believers whose dignity remains unbroken. He emphasized that in times of destruction, the church's mission is to stand with those who mourn and bear witness to a light that darkness cannot extinguish, adding that silence in the face of suffering is a betrayal of conscience.
The patriarchs' visit came amid growing fears of famine in Gaza due to a tight Israeli siege. Despite repeated international warnings, Israel has kept Gaza's crossings closed since March 2, blocking the entry of food, medicine, and other humanitarian supplies. Since October 2023, Israel's military campaign has resulted in the deaths of more than 59,100 Palestinians, most of them women and children, and has devastated the enclave, collapsing the health system and leading to severe food shortages.
Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its actions in the enclave.