Gaza: In a rare and heartfelt visit, a delegation from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) visited the Holy Family parish in Gaza the only Catholic church in the war-torn enclave offering words of gratitude and solidarity for its tireless support to the displaced.
The UN team arrived on Tuesday to assess the situation at the parish, which has been a sanctuary for hundreds of families, both Christian and Muslim, who have fled the horrors of ongoing conflict. This marked the first official visit by UN representatives to the church since the start of the Israel-Hamas war in October 2023.
Fr. Gabriel Romanelli, the Argentine priest and vicar of Holy Family parish, said the delegation spent meaningful time interacting with those sheltering in the church, listening to their stories and witnessing the humanitarian crisis firsthand. “They came not only to observe but to truly understand the pain and resilience of those who have lost everything,” Fr. Romanelli noted.
The delegation also visited children with severe disabilities who are being cared for by the Missionaries of Charity within the parish compound. The team paused to pray for peace in the church a moment that underscored the shared human longing for relief and reconciliation.
Before departing, the UN officials expressed deep appreciation for the church’s courageous and compassionate outreach. “They thanked us for standing with the suffering Christian and Muslim alike and for being a beacon of hope in the midst of destruction,” said Fr. Romanelli.
Since the outbreak of violence, Holy Family Church has transformed into a lifeline for Gaza’s embattled population, providing shelter, meals, medical supplies, and spiritual care to thousands of civilians regardless of religion. The visit by the UN delegation serves as international recognition of the church’s role as a pillar of mercy and interfaith solidarity amid unrelenting conflict.