Modest reconstruction underway in Gaza

(Vatican Radio) A group of English-speaking Catholic bishops are making their annual pilgrimage to Israel and Palestine – an annual initiative by the Holy Land Co-ordination to support the Christian population in the land where Christ was born.

At the start of their five-day visit, bishops toured the Gaza strip to see first-hand the devastation caused by the conflict last summer.

Vatican Radio’s Lydia O’Kane is traveling with the bishops and spoke with Philippa Hitchen about the reconstruction work that is underway.

Catholic Relief Services has been at the forefront of reconstruction efforts in Gaza, both before and after the 51-day conflict, said O’Kane.

A housing unit for 40 families, totaling about 180 people, is constructed in wood because cement is restricted from entering Gaza. O’Kane said she was welcomed by one of the families into their home.

She also visited the Israeli town of Sderot, across from Gaza, to which missiles were launched during the conflict.

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