Primatial Statement of Solidarity on Gaza Church Strike

The Gospel reminds us that God’s love is generous and without limit. Jesus showed us how to love deeply
and sacrificially, and we are called to follow in his footsteps, caring for others and standing together in
unity.

This morning, that call feels more urgent than ever. In Gaza, the Holy Family Church and the only Catholic
church in the region, was struck by a tank shell. Three lives were lost. Several others were wounded,
including the parish priest, Father Gabriel Romanelli.

This comes in the same week as the killing of Dr Ahmad Qandil, a dedicated surgeon at Al Ahli Anglican
Hospital. This is the eighth time Al Ahli’s staff or facilities have been hit.

So today, we stand in solidarity. We mourn with our Catholic brothers and sisters. We remember the more
than 1,500 healthcare workers who have died since the conflict began, and the countless lives lost in
both Palestine and Israel.

In the midst of this devastation, Archbishop Hosam Naoum of the Anglican Diocese of Jerusalem
reminds us that faith can endure, even through suffering.

Speaking recently at the Church of England’s General Synod, he painted a sobering picture:
“Medical supplies are in short supply. The food distribution system is horrifying, with three sites open one
hour a day for two million people. It looks to me like the Hunger Games.”

He was clear about what is needed: “Advocacy is urgently needed for Israel’s adherence to the Geneva
Conventions, as its current practices are unacceptable.” He called for “no bombing of hospitals, lifting of
the siege, restoration of humanitarian supplies, including food and medicine, under UN supervision, no
targeting of civilians, especially emergency workers and medical staff and the release of all hostages and
captives.”

We invite you to join us in prayer, in advocacy, in generosity. Speak to your local Member of Parliament.
Support Anglican Missions appeals. And let us, together, be a people who choose compassion, justice
and love in the face of suffering.

May we all follow the path of God’s eternal love.

Archbishop Don Tamihere
Archbishop Sione Ulu’ilakepa
Archbishop Justin Duckworth

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