GAZA: In Gaza City, amidst the turmoil of war, the faithful gathered at the Holy Family Church on Palm Sunday, seeking solace and praying for peace. Despite the humanitarian crisis enveloping Gaza, the tranquil courtyard of the church provided a sanctuary for worshippers, adorned with palm fronds in anticipation of Easter week.
Inside the church, amidst the solemn atmosphere, a young man addressed the congregation, emphasizing the need for hope, goodness, and peace in the midst of conflict. As he spoke, the reality of war weighed heavily on the parishioners, many of whom bore drawn faces after months of violence.
Located near the epicenter of heavy combat between Israeli troops and Hamas fighters, the church stands as a beacon of resilience amid the chaos. However, the devastation of war has taken its toll, with the recent UN-backed assessment warning of impending famine in Gaza’s northern area by May without urgent intervention.
For the Christian community in Gaza, this year’s Palm Sunday celebration is marked by a somber tone, overshadowed by the grim realities of war. Sister Nabila Saleh expressed the subdued mood, acknowledging the lack of joy compared to previous years.
The conflict in Gaza, sparked by escalating violence, has resulted in a staggering death toll on both sides. Despite the church’s status as a place of refuge, it has not been immune to the impact of the fighting, with reports of casualties and damage.
Far from Gaza, in Jerusalem, Palestinian Christians also observed Palm Sunday, but with a heavy heart for their brethren trapped in the conflict zone. As they reenacted Jesus’s arrival in the Old City, prayers for peace resonated among the worshippers, echoing the sentiments of hope amidst adversity.
However, amidst the prayers and solemn processions, the reality of tightened movement restrictions in the occupied West Bank cast a shadow over the festivities. Many Palestinians were unable to join the celebrations in Jerusalem, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by the community under occupation.
As worshippers gathered to mark Palm Sunday, their prayers transcended borders and barriers, uniting in the fervent hope for peace and safety for all those affected by conflict, particularly in Gaza.
