Tragic Reality of Killings and Kidnappings in Jerusalem Sparks Urgency for International Action
The recent wave of killings and kidnappings in Jerusalem has brought forth a tragic and urgent need for international action. The situation on the ground is extremely difficult, with reports resembling the horrors of a holocaust. Shocking incidents, such as a woman having her children thrown out of a car window after being kidnapped, and another woman’s children being taken away by Hamas fighters, further highlight the tragic and awful reality of this ongoing conflict.
Rabbi Shaul David Judelman, founder of the organization Shorashim-Judur, which promotes dialogue and coexistence between Israelis and Palestinians, emphasizes that even activists who have dedicated themselves to peace and dialogue in the past are now caught up in the violence. Unfortunately, everyone has become a target, regardless of their previous dedication to finding a solution to the Palestinian issue. While both sides have contributed to the extremism that has fueled this conflict, the scale and intensity of the recent events are unprecedented in the region’s history.
International pressure is crucial in urging Hamas to release the hostages, particularly the children who have been caught in the crossfire. The Muslim world, Fatah, and those who oppose extremism must also take a strong stance against these acts of violence. Israeli military leaders consider Saturday’s Hamas attack as their own 9/11, and the country’s Defence Minister has ordered a complete siege of the Gaza Strip, which means no electricity, food, or fuel.
Amidst the escalating violence, appeals for peace and dialogue, including those made by Pope Francis, seem to be falling on deaf ears. Air raid sirens continue to sound across the country, and Jerusalem has already experienced multiple blasts. The Israeli forces have regained control of areas near the border with Gaza, but sporadic fighting with isolated Hamas cells persists.
The consequences of this conflict are devastating. In the Gaza Strip alone, approximately 123,000 people have been displaced, seeking safety due to fear, destruction, and protection concerns. Tens of thousands have found shelter in schools. Meanwhile, the Israeli authorities are grappling with the difficult task of recovering the bodies of the victims from the tragic attack on the Nova music festival. This attack, in which hundreds were killed and around 100 abducted, has exposed the weaknesses in Israel’s defense system, previously considered one of the best in the world.
Analysts attribute Israel’s failure to its policy of concentrating military forces in the West Bank to protect settlers and settlements, leaving the Gaza front vulnerable. Unbearably, at least a hundred civilians, predominantly young people, including foreigners or dual citizens, are now in the hands of Hamas. Their fate remains unknown as families desperately seek information. Those who have managed to escape describe scenes of pure horror, and volunteer groups struggle to recover bodies amidst ongoing attacks and gunfire.
Leaders and heads of the Churches in Jerusalem express their concerns about the escalating conflict and call for peace, justice, and an end to the violence in the Holy Land. They firmly believe that the absence of justice, respect for human rights, and protection of the status quo in holy shrines are at the root of the problem. They urge world leaders and governments to engage in sincere dialogue and work tirelessly towards a just and lasting peace in the Holy Land.
Fr Gabriel Romanelli, an Argentine priest, sheds light on the challenging situation in Bethlehem, emphasizing that he is currently unable to return to his parish due to the ongoing fighting. Panic and destruction surround the area as rockets hit establishments, causing fear and devastation. The opening of the Bethlehem crossing provides a ray of hope, but the Erez crossing remains closed.
The recent attack on the music festival has shocked many due to the substantial number of victims involved. It represents a significant shift and escalation in the conflict. The fear intensifies as the possibility of an even longer and more destructive conflict looms. It is vital that both sides reduce violence, and international intervention is necessary to prevent a crisis with irreversible consequences.
In these challenging times, the desire for peace outweighs the fear of war. The voices calling for an end to the violence need to be heeded, and a concerted effort must be made to restore peace and ensure the safety and well-being of all those affected by this tragic reality in Jerusalem.
