Father’s failure: The number of children killed in Gaza is impressive

Roberto Cityra – Vatican City

The resumption of the war in Gaza in these hours is characterized by the large number of murdered minors. We asked about the deputy of the Holy Land Nursery, Father Ibrahim, from the beginning of the war to support and receive the children of Gaza.

Father Ibrahim, in any other war, was a high percentage of children who were killed. Can you explain why?

To a large extent, I think that is because the families of Gaza are many, the Gaza population is very small. Although I find it difficult to rebuild the cause, I know the pain of Gaza’s parents who lost a child several times. The killing of innocent children without guilt, unable to harm, is a stigma that humanity cannot erase from its history. The personalities of the young people in Gaza are amazing, and cause tremendous pain thinking about the brands that many of them will carry throughout their lives, their heart and minds. In its media, there is no less talk about the increase in clashes in the West Bank, as the number of deaths, wounded and detention has increased. Among the dead and wounded, many children in this part of Palestine.

The numbers presented by the Palestinian Ministry of Health are impressive: 15,613 children killed and 33,900 wounded from the beginning of the war. 876 children and 4,110 children less than five years. There is no data on the number of orphan children and minors. Do you have any information about it? How much is an orphan? Who takes care of them now?

Estimates talk about about 20,000 orphan children. The numbers are high, unfortunately it can increase because they are unknown. The number of bodies buried between the debris. They tell me that older children often take care of their young brothers, who take responsibility for an adult. The drama in this particular war is the impossibility of the ability to help because, in addition to the inability to achieve humanitarian aid, a few volunteers in Gaza entered a short period. It is very sad to be helpless and unable a few kilometers away.

Last spring, it was organized with the Italian government to enter Italian hospitals, which includes more than 200 injured or sick children from Gaza, which managed to reach Egypt. Do you think similar operations can be repeated?

Since the end of January 2024, many Italian hospitals have recognized more than 200 children. Even in recent weeks, thanks to the armistice, more Gaza children have arrived in Italy via Egypt. In November 2023, after the morning fans with the Holy Father, I went to the Bambino Gesù friends meeting and their availability as fathers and mothers instead of doctors and administrators, the possibility of helping the young in Gaza was born. The Italian government activated all possible diplomatic channels to achieve the goal. I will never get tired of thanking the Italian people. I know that other European countries welcomed sick children and I hope that others will do this: the list of children who need treatment is very long, but it is not easy to get them out of there. The truce, and perhaps the end of the war, may be saved and influenced by the lives of children.

I have personally accompanied many of these children. Is there any of your admiration in particular and you would like to remember? Which story is especially sensitive?

Along with Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, I received most of the children who arrived in Italy. We had the opportunity to talk about children while we were waiting for them at airports, but after welcoming them and listening to their painful stories from their parents and comrades, we had no more words to comment on what we saw and heard. Then I had the opportunity to visit them again in Italian hospitals and follow their development. I met a child who arrived with very serious injuries in one leg, I saw him start walking again after a complex operation. The girl with cancer is much better now, but when he arrived, doctors told me about a serious extent. Gaza children received care and love in Italy: some of them already know how to speak Italian, and when they contact me on the phone, I finally feel their capacity, thank God!

In recent years, it has promoted the highly important adoption initiative of Palestinian children who empty or displaced in Italy. Basically in the San Marino region, but also in Umbra. Some of them today are young and women. Do you remember any of them? Do you think a wonderful similar operation can be launched for Gaza children? Have these contacts already started in Italy?

We recently celebrated in San Marino in the first twenty years of the “Smile Project”, a project that strongly desires Monsignor Petro Sambi, then a messenger delegate in Jerusalem, whose memory is united with the feelings of affection. The first years of the first decade of the twentieth century were the dangerous conflicts and tensions in the Holy Land, and with it we were able to create a concrete solidarity bridge: many children were adopted from Bethlehem by the parents of Sandarins. I often met them during those years and saw them calm and their loved ones. Then, it is no longer possible in San Marino. Even in Italy, international adoption is not easy. There is a great need to welcome children in orphans in families that can give them love and the future. I would like to be able to help children and collect them without parents with parents ready to form enjoyable families regarding law and protect minors, but there has been no this possibility yet. Let’s wait and pray!

On the topic of this child, she met several times with Pope Francis. What did the Pope suggest in this regard?

I met with the Holy Father on February 3, ten days before he was accepted at Jimili Hospital. Pope Francis has collected many personalities and institutions around the world at a summit on childhood with a very important title: “Let’s love and protect them.” After the summit, the Holy Father met with the children hosted in Italy from areas of war. Gaza children told me that they met very compassionate looked at them with good eyes. During the twelve years of Pontvie, I met with Pope Francis several times and recently, I had frequent occasions to talk to him. Every time he asked me about the situation in the Holy Land, for the lives of people, especially the young. The Holy Father is very interested in future generations, and his interest in the growth and development of children transports her to the vision of the preventive father, vigilance and just. Pope Francis has always encouraged me on projects for children, especially in those who relate to peace education.

Since the war resuming last Tuesday, the number of children deceased is huge. Only on the first night 130. What is the news that comes from Gaza?

Unfortunately, the number has already increased, and if the weapons do not stop, this is the amount estimated to increase more. I receive news from Gaza that is not very reassuring. The resumption of the war was violent and surprising. This is an important period of time in the Holy Land: For Muslims, the month of Ramadan, for Christians, is the strong time for the loan. These are the times when people respect the rituals, rituals and traditions of others. The news of death and the destruction of these days seems to be more tragic, and innocent deaths are always painful.

There is a feeling of great sympathy for the fate of these children. What can we do here in Europe to support the valuable work it is doing, and others like you in Palestine?

The world feels affection and tenderness for children, and feels responsible for ensuring their rights, future and vital needs. It is very surprising that this feeling is not shared by those who cause the death and suffering of children. I am a deputy to the Holy Land custody, which for more than 800 years, the sacred places and the living stones you live in. The nursery provides work, education, housing and support for many needs. In recent years, we have faced more difficulties due to war, ongoing tensions, pandemic. Our work is supported by Provence and Bienths, which helps us to be in the service of children and the Holy Land. I hope that the Great Friday of this year of the Holy Land will be generous than in the past. We often trust everyone’s prayers so that the precious gift of peace comes soon for the children of the world. I hope that the sacred child will protect the children’s meat home, support them and save their smiles!