Macron expresses ‘great concern’ about Catholic parish in Gaza

French President Emmanuel Macron conveyed “great concern” to the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem regarding a Catholic parish in Gaza, Macron’s office said on Sunday.

In his call with Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa on Saturday, Macron discussed the “tragic situation” in Gaza since October 7.

“Hundreds of civilians of all confessions… have been living under bombs and bullets for more than two months while worshippers and nuns take care of the sick, elderly or disabled,” Macron was quoted as saying.

The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem said earlier this month that an Israeli soldier shot dead “in cold blood” a Christian woman and her daughter as they sought refuge in Gaza’s only Catholic church.

Macron offered his condolences for the martyrs who he said were killed “shamefully,” a week after Pope Francis condemned their deaths.

Macron told Pizzaballa to “send a message of peace and solidarity to all Christians in the Holy Land and assure them France is by their side.”

Israel’s bombardment of Gaza has so far killed more than 20,000 people, mostly women and children.

More than 7,000 are still missing under the rubble, while there is a lack of food, water, fuel, and electricity for more than two months.

The attacks mark the deadliest ever after the Nakba in 1948.