The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Italian Bishops' Conference will work together to create a hospital in Gaza, Aleteia.org reported.
“There is a very serious health problem and we want to address it with the Patriarchate. This is a concrete commitment that will mobilize a lot of energy“, said Archbishop Giuseppe Baturi.
The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, thanked for the commitment to create a hospital in an area where one is greatly needed.
“Hope needs gestures, words, but above all a context in which connections, unity and community are built“, he said. “In situations of great pain and suffering, it is necessary to have someone by your side who supports and helps you. In that sense, all this becomes a sign of hope.“
Healthcare in Gaza is in crisis. Since the start of the Gaza war on October 7, the Gaza Strip's health infrastructure has been largely destroyed.
In July, three people were killed after an Israeli tank fired a shell at the only Catholic church in Gaza. The Israeli government and the Israeli army said the church was not targeted and the damage was unintentional.