Gaza’s Catholic pastor: Border closures make crisis ‘tragic’

Father Gabriel Romanelli, the only Catholic pastor in Gaza, is warning that the closure of border crossings into the territory is deepening an already dire humanitarian situation, leaving civilians “at the limit of their strength.”

Romanelli, pastor of Holy Family Parish in Gaza City, said the shutdown threatens the flow of humanitarian assistance and essential goods — and blocks patients who need medical treatment outside Gaza from leaving.

“The outlook is tragic, terrible,” Romanelli told the official Vatican News outlet. While some assistance is reaching people, he said, “it is not enough,” adding that even though major bombardments have eased, the aid available does not meet the needs of everyone.

Israel’s Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), an agency within the country’s Defense Ministry, confirmed that all crossings into Gaza have been closed following an escalation in regional hostilities linked to joint Israeli and U.S. attacks on Iran. No reopening date has been announced.

Aid corridor cut off

Romanelli said the closures are especially damaging in Gaza City, where a significant number of displaced people have gathered and where the pressure on food, water, and basic services is intense.

He noted that Israel’s Supreme Court recently issued a temporary suspension of a prohibition affecting dozens of humanitarian organizations. Still, he said, the broader tightening of access — including the full closure of crossings — is making conditions worse.

High prices, no income

Romanelli said some products such as fruit, meat, and cheese have reappeared in markets after being scarce during the worst months of fighting. But he emphasized that prices are beyond what most families can afford.

“Prices are very high and most of the population doesn’t even have the possibility to pay them,” he said, adding that the problem is not only supply but also widespread loss of income. Many residents, he said, have lost “their home, their work, their salary.”

Electricity and water remain scarce

The parish priest also described ongoing hardship in basic services. Since the conflict began, he said, electricity has not been available regularly. Some generators are used, but fuel and operating costs are high. Solar panels are rare, he added, and their entry has reportedly been restricted.

Water access is also critical. Romanelli said some distribution exists in certain neighborhoods, but it is insufficient. In many places, he said, people can wait hours for small amounts of potable water, and much of the infrastructure has been damaged.

Effects on Christians and the wider community

Romanelli said restrictions affecting aid organizations, in force since March 1, will impact the entire population — including Gaza’s small Christian community.

He pointed to World Central Kitchen, the relief group founded by Spanish chef José Andrés, which has warned it may soon run out of food supplies to distribute in Gaza. Romanelli said similar disruptions could hit potable water distribution if providers are forced to suspend operations.

“If it’s already difficult now, this will create many problems,” he said.

A fragile hope and an appeal for action

Romanelli said people’s hope remains rooted “in faith in God,” but confidence in human beings is more fragile. He described widespread depression alongside efforts to restart daily life, noting that the parish school is still operating with a reduced number of students and that small survival businesses have begun to reappear.

But, he warned, the situation cannot continue indefinitely.

“We can’t go on like this. It’s not humane and it can’t help justice and peace,” he said.

Romanelli urged the international community to help ensure consistent humanitarian access — not only for rebuilding structures, he said, but also for restoring the “moral and existential” fabric of people’s lives, which he argued is essential to lasting peace.

This story was first published by ACI Prensa, the Spanish-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.

Source: https://www.ewtnnews.com/world/middle-east/gaza-s-catholic-pastor-border-closures-make-crisis-tragic