Amid the relentless turmoil in Gaza, Father Gabriel Romanelli, the Argentine priest overseeing the sole Catholic parish in the region, has revealed the harrowing reality faced by his community. Speaking to L’Osservatore Romano, the Vatican’s daily newspaper, Father Romanelli described the tension and resilience of the Catholics in Gaza as Israeli forces advance into what they have labeled a “red zone.”

Despite Israeli military orders urging residents to evacuate via designated corridors, many parishioners of the Church of the Holy Family have refused to abandon their homes. “Why should we leave our houses? None of us are part of this conflict,” Father Romanelli emphasized. The priest voiced concerns about the conditions in the south, where displaced Palestinians, numbering in the millions, are already crammed into makeshift camps.

A community under siege

The constant noise of helicopters and bombings provides an unrelenting backdrop to life in Gaza. “Day and night, there is no respite,” Father Romanelli reported, highlighting the northwest areas of Jabalia and Shati as particularly affected. Families from these regions, including some Christian households, have been issued strict evacuation orders.

Christian gifts

For now, Gaza’s Christian population has found refuge in two locations, namely Father Romanelli’s parish and a nearby Orthodox church. However, this sanctuary is precarious. Key Catholic facilities, such as the Caritas headquarters and the St. Thomas Aquinas training center have already been ordered to evacuate. While these buildings were fortunately empty due to ongoing repairs, the message is clear—the threat is closing in.

"We Cannot Leave Our Parish"

Father Romanelli underscored the steadfastness of his community, who refuse to abandon their spiritual home despite the danger. “What would our Christians do in the south? There, they would join millions living in destitution, surviving under tarps. Here, we are surrounded by what remains of our Catholic community,” he explained.

The priest also expressed hope that the global Church would amplify their plight. He praised Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, for his advocacy and revealed that Pope Francis has been making regular calls to stay updated on their dire situation.

A test of faith and survival

The future of Gaza’s Christians hangs precariously on what Father Romanelli referred to as the “plan of the generals.” The parish remains a beacon of faith for the community, even as war encroaches on every side.

Father Romanelli issued an urgent plea to the West: “Our story must be heard. We need the world to understand that amidst this conflict, there are those who simply want to live in peace, to preserve their homes, and to keep their faith alive.”