Dozens of worshippers gathered on the Holy Household Church in Gaza Metropolis as Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa and different clergy celebrated mass. A twinkling Christmas tree was embellished with golden ornaments.

“I need … to inform you, that every one the world, not solely the Christian world, all of the world is with you. So the conflict will end and we’ll rebuild,” the cardinal stated, urging individuals in Gaza to by no means be afraid.

His go to got here as Pope Francis once more criticised Israel’s actions in Gaza. He stated on Saturday his envoy had been unable to enter the territory due to Israeli bombing.

“Yesterday, kids have been bombed. That is cruelty, this isn’t conflict,” Francis stated in his deal with. On Sunday, he referred to as for a ceasefire.

The pope just lately referred to as for an investigation to find out if Israel’s actions in Gaza represent genocide, a conclusion reached by Amnesty Worldwide and Human Rights Watch. The Worldwide Court docket of Justice is investigating genocide allegations introduced in opposition to Israel by South Africa.

Israel rejects such allegations. It says it is just at conflict with Hamas, however campaigners say an awesome majority of greater than 45,000 individuals killed are civilians.

Since 2013, the Vatican has recognised the State of Palestine, with which it maintains diplomatic relations, and it helps the two-state answer.