GAZA, Apr. 12, 01 (CWNews.com) - A Palestinian priest has called for Pope John Paul II's help in securing independence during a funeral for the first Palestinian Christian killed in Gaza during the current uprisings.
Father Manawel Musalam said at the funeral for policeman Elias Eid, 50, who was killed on Wednesday during an Israeli attack on the Khan Younis refugee camp, "Dear Pope, raise your voice and call for the liberation of Palestinians." He added, "Ariel Sharon, man of blood, get out of our land."
Palestinian officials said Eid was the first Palestinian Christian in Gaza killed by Israeli forces since the uprising began nearly seven months ago. At least one Palestinian Christian has been killed in the West Bank, hospital officials said.
Top Palestinian Authority and PLO factional officials marched in Eid's funeral. "Fatah will avenge the blood of our hero, Eid. We will strike back against the Zionists," an activist from the PLO's main faction said over a loudspeaker. "The blood of Eid reinforced the unity of Palestinians, Muslims, and Christians," he said, while others fired their rifles in the air.
Catholic World News Service - Daily News Briefs
12. april 2001