Amman, December 26, 2023 (KAP/KNA) The Jordanian Air Force unloaded a shipment of aid for Christians in the Gaza Strip over Christmas. It was the seventh such action under King Abdullah's instructions, Jordanian media reported late on Monday. A Royal Air Force aircraft flew relief supplies to help people trapped in the Porfirio Orthodox Church, an official statement said.
According to reports, packages for the approximately 900 Christians were parachuted onto the church. With this, Jordan wants to send “a message of solidarity to our Christian brothers”. The escalation of Israel's war against Gaza has cast a shadow over Christmas celebrations, he said.
The Latin Patriarch, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, thanked Jordan for sending aid to the Catholic community “Sagrada Família” and the Church of Porfírio. At Christmas in Bethlehem, the patriarch prayed for safety and protection for the entire world and especially for Jordan, the king, the army and the people, the patriarchate said in a Facebook post on Tuesday.
A few days ago, in a meeting with religious leaders from Jerusalem and Jordan, King Abdullah emphasized his country's commitment to “providing assistance to those who seek refuge in the Church”. Photos on social media confirmed the arrival of aid packages for those affected.