Archbishops describe sorrow over loss and devastation in Gaza

Ireland’s formal recognition of Palestine as a sovereign state has been welcomed by Archbishop Hosam Naoum of the Anglican Diocese of Jerusalem who is visiting Dublin this week.

Speaking to The Tablet, Archbishop Naoum, whose diocese is spread throughout Israel, Palestine, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon, including Gaza and the West Bank, described the move by Ireland as “a great step” and “timely”.

He also welcomed the flying of the Palestinian flag at Leinster House, the Irish parliament.

“I am happy, but I would have been happier if this was by the whole international community with the consent of Israel as part of a peace process because that would bring a better effect,” he said.

Asked about Taoiseach Simon Harris’ comment that Europe could be doing more to bring about a ceasefire, Dr Naoum said that not only did Europe need to act collectively but it would need the world to “come together for this important step”.

He said that any ceasefire would have to “implement justice for the whole region” and “provide a vision for the future” post conflict.

Dr Naoum is a guest of the Church of Ireland Diocese of Dublin and Glendalough which is linked to the Anglican Diocese of Jerusalem and has fundraised for the Anglican Al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Northern Gaza.

Speaking to The Tablet, Archbishop Michael Jackson of Dublin and Glendalough said, “I think the recognition of statehood is something that is rightly a delight to the people for whom it is a primary recognition of identity.” But he cautioned, “We all need to move carefully in the early stages so that what is a positive for some does not become an insult to others.”

Archbishop Jackson said a ceasefire had to be a “springboard” to “a lasting solution which involves justice, integrity and reciprocal respect of people in a region which has always been complex and is made even more complex by the war”.

He described flags as “double-edged” particularly in Ireland and warned that flags can be “weaponised” and can “bring tension”.

“My concern is to be even-handed in relation to people who have suffered. We have never sought to diminish or minimise one side or the other – we see the whole thing as a place that needs to help itself to move forward with international love and concern.”

According to Archbishop Naoum the situation on the ground in Gaza is “far worse” than that seen in the media. The 50-year-old church leader said his main source for what is happening is the Al-Ahli hospital, the only functioning hospital in northern Gaza, which is run by the Anglican church.

“I think the picture is far worse than we hear on the media. We hear statistics of people who are injured or have died and the work we are doing on the ground whether in Gaza or Rafah but to see the suffering on the ground – it is something that grieves us all.”

The Church of Ireland Diocese of Dublin and Glendalough has fundraised for Al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Northern Gaza and a recent appeal raised €216,000.

“Al Ahli Arab hospital continues to be the only operating hospital in the north of Gaza as we speak. The hospital is one of those beacons of light that continues to shine in darkness and what the hospital is doing and what it did and what it will continue to do is really absolutely phenomenal because the church continues to serve in the direst places – places of want and need.”

Before the conflict erupted last October, Palestinian Christians made up one percent of the population of Gaza. But the last eight months has seen an exodus of hundreds from this fragile community.

“Up to Israel took control of the Rafah crossing we have lost 400 Christians out of 1000 – so only 600 are left. So it has dropped 40 per cent within a few months. I think if it wasn’t for the closing of the crossing, more would have left. My expectation is that none will be left after this war is over. For us this is really worrying because Gaza is one of the most ancient centres of Christian communities.”

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