We Also Know That Nights End

Andrea Tornielli - The moment is very painful; we are living through a very long night. However, we also know that nights end. This is the time when the Church must work with all those who are willing to do something beautiful and good for everyone....".Cardinal Patriarch of Jerusalem and of the Latins, Pierbattista Pizzaballa, passing through Rome, tells the Vatican media about the situation in Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank.

What is the situation these days in Israel and especially in Gaza?

The situation has mostly stayed the same compared to the past few months, with ups and downs. Gaza is now divided into north and south, Rafah and Gaza City. It was a time when more humanitarian aid was coming in, especially in the north. Now it's a bit complicated again. There is a shortage of meat, for example. Water is a problem, and let's say that, in general, the situation has significantly deteriorated, and it's tough to see a way out. It doesn't seem that the negotiations are going anywhere and that there is a real desire for the parties to agree. And that is what is perceived, and then you have the Lebanese front, which is heating up more and more. The outlook could be more exciting.

How many casualties are there? Some debate the numbers given, but the images coming in show destruction.

Destruction. The city of Gaza is destroyed, so there are so many casualties. It isn't easy to give numbers, but they are numerous, and it is obvious. It is a fact that civilian casualties are always so many.

How can we rebuild a social fabric and coexistence, taking into account what has happened but also overcoming what has happened?

I think it is too early to talk about that. Now, the war and the trauma are still going on. It will take time to understand the extent of the trauma that has affected everyone and its consequences. It is clear that there has to be reconstruction. There is a determination to rebuild; I felt that very clearly. But how, according to what criteria, and with whom? It is too early to say.

And the situation in the West Bank?

The West Bank is always on edge; the problems are constant, practically daily, especially in some areas in the north, such as Jenin and Nablus. Clashes between settlers and Arab villagers are constant, creating a situation of attrition that will not lead to anything good.

You mentioned earlier the opening of the northern front. We have seen a very heated debate within Israel about the prospects. What can we expect?

The internal debate is present in Israel and Lebanon: no one wants war, but it seems that no one can stop it, and that is the problem. Of course, if the northern front opens, it will be a tragedy, especially for Lebanon, which risks becoming another Gaza, at least in the southern part. I am not an expert on military matters, but the landscape remains tense, always on the verge of further escalation.

What is the life of Christians like in a context where they are not separate people? They live what everyone lives. Unfortunately, we know the situation in Gaza, but it is also very problematic in the West Bank, especially economically. There is a situation of paralysis; there is little or no work, which makes the prospect of emigration more and more attractive—perhaps especially for Christians. Let's look at the aftermath, the end of the war.

What could the international community do? Who could help the most to achieve peace?

Making peace is too distant a goal right now.

Right now, politics and the international community have to work mainly to stop the conflict. Making peace and coming to more serious political perspectives will definitely take a long time. The international community has to find a way to get Israel and Hamas to stop the conflict and come to a cease-fire that is a first step towards something more substantial, solid, and stable.

The outcome of the upcoming U.S. elections will also weigh on this landscape....

Indeed, the American elections will have an impact. But I believe that solutions have to be found on the ground. Between the two sides. Between Israel and Hamas.

Is it possible to get aid into Gaza?

Work is being done for that; even the Latin Patriarchate is working to get i donet. The first stock of a few tons of food and necessities should come in these hours. There is a lot of work to be done; it's more than two million people.

How does the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem see what is happening? How does the man of faith look at all this?

Hope is the child of faith. The moment is very painful; we are experiencing a very long night. But we also know that nights end. This is the time when the Church must be present in the area, close, and collaborate with all those who are willing to do something beautiful and good for everyone. When everyone is building barriers against each other, the Church must continue to reach out.

This is our task, which comes from our experience of faith; this is what we are called to do at this time.

Do you feel accompanied by the universal Church?

Yes, the Holy Father has always been very close to us and continues to be very close to us. So are so many dioceses around the world. (Andrea Tornielli)

We repost Andrea Tornielli's article in L'Osservatore Romano to make everyone aware of the situation in the Holy Land.

This translation, provided by Epochalchange for educational and meaningful purposes, has not been revised by the author or editor. It is intended for personal use only and not for commercial gain. Download.