North Africa (Washington Insider Magazine) – The conflict in the Middle East and North Africa remains dire, with renewed efforts for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. As the world watches and hopes for peace, the violence continues unabated, resulting in tragic loss of life and displacement. Recently, Israeli forces have intensified operations in areas where Hamas has reestablished a presence, leading to further suffering for already displaced individuals. The intensity of the shelling in Gaza City has surged, with 116 hostages still unaccounted for since their abduction by Hamas.
A Community in Crisis
Among the small Christian community in Gaza, estimated at around 1,000 individuals, about one-third have either fled the region or lost their lives in the ongoing conflict. The Holy Family Church has become a refuge for approximately 600 people. However, the church compound was hit by an Israeli airstrike last week, targeting classrooms and resulting in the deaths of four people, including a Hamas labor minister.
In a poignant appeal for peace, 12-year-old Faeqa Ayyad, sheltered in the Holy Family Church, expressed her desire for the conflict to end during a live broadcast on SAT-7. She recounted the fear experienced by her younger siblings and implored for a return to normalcy, where children could play and enjoy their youth.
The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem has condemned the attack, calling for an end to actions that jeopardize civilian safety. Recently, the Patriarchate’s cardinal had visited the local community, aiming to support and uplift them during these trying times. The airstrike on the Holy Family Church coincided with a major Israeli offensive in Gaza City, which also led to the closure of the church-run Al Ahli hospital. The area was designated a Red Zone, and patients had to be evacuated to the already strained Indonesia Hospital. Both Jerusalem Archbishop Hosam Naoum and Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby voiced their opposition to the hospital’s closure. Fortunately, reassurances were given by the army that the hospital could reopen.
Escalating Tensions in Lebanon
Concerns are mounting that the conflict between Israel and Gaza could spill over into Lebanon. Since the beginning of October, Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militant group, has engaged in skirmishes with Israeli forces, offering support to Hamas. This has led to significant evacuations on both sides of the border.
Lebanon’s political leaders, already grappling with a severe economic crisis and the aftermath of the 2020 Beirut port explosion, are anxious to avoid further conflict. Prime Minister Najib Mikati stated that another war “is in no one’s interest.” Over the past five years, around half a million Lebanese have emigrated, and the potential for war is exacerbating this trend. The country’s Christian community, in particular, has voiced strong opposition to Hezbollah’s actions. In a recent incident, residents of Rmeich, a predominantly Christian town, successfully forced Hezbollah operatives to dismantle a rocket launcher set up near their homes, ringing church bells to rally community support.
Humanitarian Crisis in Sudan
In Sudan, the humanitarian situation is deteriorating rapidly, with three-quarters of a million people on the brink of famine, according to outgoing UN aid chief Martin Griffiths. Catastrophic conditions are affecting 8.5 million individuals, while approximately 9 million have been displaced due to the ongoing conflict between the Sudan Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces militias. Thousands continue to flee as fighting spreads. Recently, representatives from the army-aligned government refused to participate in peace talks with civilian leaders, including the former prime minister, in Cairo. This month, new efforts to negotiate a ceasefire are set to begin through a committee of African heads of state on behalf of the African Union.
The plight of Christians in Sudan is particularly concerning, as the situation continues to unfold. For more insights into the humanitarian crisis in Sudan, listen to our recent briefing highlighting the struggles faced by the Christian community in the country.
