As the war between Hamas and Israel continues to wreak its devastating humanitarian toll in Gaza, Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa issued an urgent appeal asking for support to help the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem reach out to all those affected.

"Charity and prayer animate the entire extended family of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, especially during times of extreme hardship," said the Cardinal Patriarch of Jerusalem.

His message draws attention to the fact that, apart from death, destruction and hunger in Gaza, the war is also causing loss of jobs and economic hardships for many families elsewhere in the Holy Land, especially in Bethlehem, in the West Bank, along with other social issues.

"We are facing a crisis that affects countless families from different religions and all our institutions including schools, hospitals and parishes," said Patriarch Pizzaballa. "In Gaza, our material resources have been extended beyond our walls to include our suffering neighbours and to those who took refuge in other locations. We share practically everything from food and water to medicines and supplies."

"We have learned in this difficult time that to rebuild the physical world we must build and protect trust between people."