"Tension is extremely high and the risk of civil war is very real". These are the words of the Custodian of the Holy Land, father Pierbattista Pizzaballa, who through SIR makes an appeal to dialogue between the Palestinian factions of Fatah and Hamas who are fighting in the Territories, especially in the Gaza Strip. "The situation is one of serious tension he says More than in Cis-Jordan, the situation is escalating in Gaza where there’s the risk of things spiralling out of control". Everything is complicated by the Israeli air raids but Israel declares itself non accountable on Gaza this morning that caused about ten victims which add to those on the Gaza beach a few days ago, caused by a ship’s gunfire which is now under investigation by the Israeli military authorities. "We are experiencing great tension adds the Custodian and we hope it will not burst out. The rage caused by the deaths of women and children is exploited by the extremists to stir up violence. However, I believe there’s still some leeway for talks in order to ward off civil war. But first of all the party leaders must take back control and security over the territory". "The Christian communities he concludes are no more at risk than others. At this stage, it is difficult for Christians to have their say, but this does not mean they keep silent. Unfortunately, now the winners are those who raise their voices and rely on weapons. And this is also why Jaoudat Morqos, Minister of Tourism, the only Christian in the Hamas Government, handed in his resignation".
