I am worried that my family, who is currently trapped in a church in Gaza due to Israeli forces, may not make it to Christmas due to the threat of snipers and shortage of water.
Layla Moran, the Member of Parliament for Oxford and Abingdon, expressed the following strong statement: Her relatives, who are part of her larger Christian Palestinian family, have been confined within the Holy Family church compound in Gaza City for 60 days.
She informed the Guardian that in a week’s time, it will be Christmas Eve. She expresses confusion over the Israeli military’s decision, stating that their religion should not be a factor. She then questions if US President Joe Biden, who identifies as Catholic, would want this for his own family.
Moran stated that her family members – including her grandmother, son, daughter-in-law, and 11-year-old twins – had been taking refuge in the church ever since their house was bombed during the initial week of the conflict. She expressed that they are currently experiencing extreme fear due to the ongoing escalation of violence.
The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem reported that on Saturday, two Christian women, identified as Nahida and her daughter Samar, were fatally shot while making their way to a building in the Sisters’ Convent. Seven other individuals were also shot and injured while trying to defend others in the area, according to the patriarchate.
The Pope expressed concern on Sunday about reports of the IDF’s involvement in the deaths of two women. He described the incidents as “serious and distressing,” stating that innocent civilians, including families, children, and the sick and disabled, have become targets of violence through bombings and shootings. He also noted that this violence even occurred within a church complex, which does not harbor any terrorists but instead houses peaceful individuals such as nuns.
Moran reported that the Israeli military had recently seized the building across from the Holy Family church. He observed that there were snipers stationed at every window, all aiming their guns towards the church. Additionally, there was a tank positioned outside. Moran noted that anyone attempting to move within the area was being fired upon, resulting in a lack of movement.
According to reports, Israeli authorities have alleged that a missile launcher is located in the parish. However, the reason behind Israel’s targeting of the compound remains unknown, as stated by an unidentified source.
Moran stated that these individuals have been residing in the compound for a period of 60 days. This raises a valid question about the timing, as there has been limited movement in and out of the area.
Additionally, all members of the community are familiar with each other. The size of the Christian population in Gaza is very small. There is no evidence linking this situation to Hamas, and it still does not justify their actions of targeting women and children.
“These are innocent civilians, and the Israelis have known that they’re there. I’ve spoken about them at length at various stages, in part because I thought it might protect them. I just don’t understand what’s going on.”
Last week, the MP stated that the siege began after her family reported occurrences of white phosphorus and gunfire in the compound. The patriarchate reported that an Israeli tank targeted a section of the compound where 54 disabled individuals were located, resulting in a fire that consumed the building’s generator. It is also alleged that the complex’s solar panels and water tanks were destroyed.
Moran’s family reported that in addition to her and her mother, two men (a bin collector and a janitor) were fatally shot outside the church. Moran stated that her family heard the gunshots and witnessed the bullet casings. They are extremely concerned and afraid to leave their current location, even for basic needs like using the restroom. Instead, they are forced to use the area where they are sleeping.
Moran explained that six relatives from her extended family initially sought shelter in the complex. However, her grandfather passed away a couple of weeks ago, partly due to dehydration. She stated, “He required medical attention, but was unable to receive it.”
She is currently worried that the rest of the group may not make it either. “The food and water they currently have is the same as what they had days ago when this situation began. I am aware that all they have left to eat are biscuits and they will soon be depleted.”
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The member of parliament, who has been staying informed through brief and infrequent phone conversations, stated that there are no longer any secure locations in Gaza. The situation in Gaza shifted after the initial month from “Where can you seek refuge?” to “Where will you go to meet your demise?”
She emphasized that a church should serve as a refuge for her family and fellow Christians. Their reasoning was, “At least we are in our city, in our church with familiar and beloved people.”
Moran stated that it is the duty of politicians, such as Biden, to actively urge the Israeli government to take action and demand a ceasefire.
“If only a ceasefire had been agreed upon, we wouldn’t be facing this situation. It would be morally unacceptable to not advocate for one at this point,” she stated. “I am glad to hear David Cameron’s statement today, although I am perplexed as to why it has taken him this long to come to this stance.”
She emphasized the importance of the global community taking action to prevent a worsening humanitarian crisis. The rules of international humanitarian law apply to each individual military operation. The attacks are targeting innocent women and children.
“If they make it through, I plan on having my family and others share their stories with the international criminal court, as that is where true justice can be found. However, the current priority is ensuring that as many of them as possible survive.”
Source: theguardian.com
