“Condemnation” of the violence, “great concern” about what happened and the “feeling that the situation could worsen further.” This is how the cardinal describes it Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, his feelings after the Hamas attack on Israel. In Italy to attend the synod, the new cardinal (now in Bergamo, his home diocese) does not hide his pain.
Why do you think there could be an escalation?
First of all, the expansion of the attack. And the fact that many Israelis are being kidnapped, including civilians. These are certainly new elements, even against the background of the great distrust that exists. Of course I hope I’m wrong, but I’m afraid the situation will get even worse. There will be retribution for retribution.
In fact, even the Israeli authorities, especially Netanyahu, have spoken of it as an act of war and not a “simple” terrorist attack.
Unfortunately, another confirmation of my feeling.
But was it a bolt from the blue or were there warning signs?
The areas have always been a volcano ready to explode. However, I think that this situation was in some ways a surprise, at least for Israel.
What can be done now? Should it be welcomed as a positive fact that the international community, with the exception of Iran, has unanimously condemned the attack?
Surely. We must first stop the violence and then apply diplomatic pressure to prevent the game of retaliation from becoming a vicious circle from which it is difficult to escape. So try to restore a minimum level of reasonableness between the parties. Even if it seems difficult at the moment.
Have you had a chance to hear from the Pope?
I have consulted with the Holy See. However, the Pope is aware of the situation.
Is his appeal to the Angelus predictable?
Of course I can’t vouch for the Pope, but I hope so. His voice is important.
What is the situation of Christian believers?
The same as everyone. War respects no one. Certainly Christians are a community that has already been greatly tested and this situation certainly doesn’t help.
Sometimes it feels like the majority of the population, both Israelis and Palestinians, desperately want peace, but are almost being held hostage by the groups that are fomenting war.
Yes, the population is fed up with all this, but there is still a lot of mutual mistrust. It is not enough to not want war. We need to adopt different perspectives, if only to promote good neighborly relations. Although I see this as difficult on both sides.
What appeal would you like to make at this moment, also to ensure that the conflict does not spread to Lebanon, for example?
May all religious leaders work to calm the situation and calm the spirits. In short: Don’t let anyone throw fuel on the fire. And I hope for prayers for peace. And today we will be carrying out an initiative in this spirit in all of our churches.