Middle East

On Nov. 17, the U.N. Security Council voted 13-0 in favor of the U.S.-backed “Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict,” with Russia and China abstaining.

Some 90% of aid being distributed through Damascus is not reaching Sweida, where Druze and Christian communities live, religious freedom advocates say.

“(We’re) following the same path in a world crying out for unity and peace, as Christians strive to contribute to a culture of mutual listening, dialogue.”

JERUSALEM (OSV News) — In the Gaza Strip, the fragile calm following the Oct. 13 Israel-Hamas peace deal has brought little relief to the enclave’s small Christian community. While portions …

The sacred images invite commuters to contemplate “the Love of the one God, which inflames and ignites hearts to walk with gentleness, humility.”

“He chose Lebanon as his first country to make an apostolic visit. He’s coming to Lebanon on a pastoral visit to see his people,” Father Jean Younes said.

In a powerful sign of unity amid deep divisions, nearly 200 young Catholics from both Hebrew- and Arabic-speaking communities in Israel came together for the “Be Happy Youth Festival” on …

“(In) this time of war that has not ended for 14 years now, the teaching of St. Pope John Paul II is a very important reference point, above all.”

Now “is clearly the time to embark upon the very long pathway of healing and reconciliation that is so profoundly needed between Palestinians and Israelis.”

Amid a sea of destruction, bringing in the materials that the strip requires without limitations” is crucial, said Joseph Hazboun of CNEWAPontifical Mission.