HONG KONG (SE): The conflict in Gaza, sparked by a surprise attack by Hamas and other militant groups on 7 October 2023, has been ongoing for nearly two years. It has resulted in the deaths of over 63,000 people, including 62,122 Palestinians and 1,983 Israelis according to figures from the Gaza and the Israeli government as of July 30 this year, along with foreign journalists and humanitarian workers.
In response to the humanitarian disaster, Pope Leo XIV called on the faithful to observe a day of prayer and fasting for peace in light of ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine on August 22, the Feast of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The Diocesan Commission for Integral Human Development hosted a talk and prayer meeting titled, Despair and Hope, amid the Gaza War, on August 23 at the Caritas Community Centre in Kowloon. The event featured Franciscan Father Stephen Chan and wartime reporter, Susanna Cheung, who together highlighted both the tragic loss of life in Gaza and the enduring hope rooted in faith and humanitarian action.
Cheung emphasised the urgent need for prayer regarding the situation in Gaza. Due to restrictions on foreign journalists, she could not enter Gaza directly. Reporting relied instead on local Palestinian journalists, among whom over 270 have reportedly been killed in various attacks.
Feeling powerless in the face of overwhelming civilian casualties, she travelled to Cairo in early 2024 to visit families who had fled from Gaza. Cheung noted that fleeing the war required unaffordable sums—around US$5,000 per person—forcing most to depend on crowdfunding or international aid.
In Cairo, Cheung met around 20 refugee families who shared heartbreaking stories of their losses, including many talented individuals such as scholars, poets, and athletes. She also described her visits to the West Bank, noting severe restrictions on the Palestinian people and the encroachment of Israeli settlements on their lands, which devastates livelihoods and creates a hostile environment for farmers.
Cheung recounted stories of witnessing Israeli forces demolishing homes in Area C, their full-controlled district, in its strategy to seize land without allowing reconstruction, leaving many families in despair.
Feeling a call to aid humanitarian efforts rather than simply report, Cheung expressed that her experiences fostered a deep sense of kinship with those in distress. She visited the Aida refugee camp in Bethlehem, established in 1948 by the UN Relief and Works Agency [UNRWA], where hope is symbolised by a key monument representing the longing to return home. However, she sadly noted the challenges in protecting children within the camp, where walls displayed the names and portraits of teenagers tragically killed by snipers.
Amid these dire circumstances, Cheung underscored the power of reporting, sharing a story about a Palestinian student aspiring to become a doctor, who inspired a donation from an elderly Hong Kong woman. On the other hand, she also expressed concern at the UN being accused of being pro-Hamas, which puts the essential services provided to Palestinian refugees at risk.
Despite the challenges, Cheung observed signs of hope, including organisations like Rabbis for Human Rights, which collaborates with international volunteers to assist affected Palestinian communities. She also mentioned the Parents Circle, an organisation comprised of Israeli and Palestinian families who have lost loved ones to the conflict. “When a mother loses a child, whether Israeli or Palestinian, the pain is the same. I feel pleased to see them come together to support one another and promote peace,” she said.
Cheung, while acknowledging the trauma caused by the massacre of Israeli civilians in Kfar Aza on 7 October 2023, insisted that the thousands of Palestinian deaths in Gaza must not be reduced to statistics. She plans to write a book to pay respect to those who lost their lives in Gaza.
In conclusion, Cheung encouraged practical support for Palestinians, suggesting ways to help beyond monetary donations, such as joining international volunteers to run youth programs in the UN refugee camp and renting local accommodations to stimulate the economy and foster solidarity.
Role of faith in achieving peace
Father Chan then spoke about the significant role of faith in achieving peace. He urged Christians to join Pope Leo XIV’s call for prayer and fasting, and to recognise God’s abiding presence even amid violence. Drawing from Scripture, he reminded the faithful that God’s protection is promised to those who listen to him [Exodus 15:26].
Chan noted that despite turmoil, many continue to trust in God and embody a spirit of love that can transcend evil. He emphasised the power of collective prayer, goodwill, and kindness from believers worldwide as vital in countering evil.
The gathering was attended by nearly two hundred people. It concluded with intercessory prayers for peace in Israel and Palestine, protection for Gaza’s vulnerable population, the release of hostages, strength for rescue workers, wisdom for decision-makers, and courage for Christians in the Holy Land to remain steadfast in faith and committed to peace and justice.
