Priest in Gaza: 'people living in fear of a new war'

By Linda Bordoni

The United Nations Mideast envoy has warned that  Israel and Hamas were "minutes away" from another "devastating confrontation" in Gaza on Saturday.

He revealed on Tuesday that the clash was averted after U.N. and Egyptian diplomatic efforts got both sides to "step back from the brink."

Sounding the alarm, Nikolay Mladenov said that crucial work is required to change the current deteriorating dynamics that, he noted, could lead to the fourth war in a decade between Hamas and Israel.

Father Mario Da Silva is the parish priest of the Holy Family in Gaza. He told Vatican News’ Thimotee Dhellemmes the living conditions inflicted by Israel's 11-year blockade of the territory are terrible and that the people in Gaza have all but lost hope.

Desperate living conditions and no freedom

“The people here don’t have food, they don’t have electricity and they are really afraid about a new war” said Fr Da Silva.

Recalling the violence unleashed during the previous week when Israeli forces attacked the border area with Gaza, he said that five people were killed including 2 children ne said: “We are in a very bad situation, people are living without work and without freedom to move , without electricity or drinkable water”.

But, he reiterated:  “The most important thing for us is freedom.”

And he explained that the people of Gaza are not allowed to go wherever they want, they cannot leave Gaza and look for work outside the walls.

Dwindling Christian community

Speaking of the role of the Church at this dramatic time of crisis, Fr Da Silva said it is “to try to bring consolation and give hope to the people.

He explained that there are no future perspectives for Christians and lamented the fact that in 15 years the small Christian community has lost 70 members.

Asked what he sees as a solution for peace, Fr. Da Silva has no doubts: “the two parts must speak and reach an agreement - that is the solution.”