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THE DESTRUCTION of a library in the YMCA in Gaza City last weekend has been widely condemned, and has raised further fears about the safety of the small Christian community in the territory.
The general secretary of Gaza YMCA, Isa Saba, said that 14 gunmen overpowered two unarmed guards, and broke into the premises. They stole equipment, before placing two explosive devices, one in the office and the other in the library. Only the latter exploded, destroying the stock of about 8000 books (pictured, above). The gunmen drove off with the two guards, later releasing them.
In a statement, the secretary general of the World Alliance of YMCAs, Bart Shaha, condemned “this indiscriminate act of violence on civil society”, and called for “renewed efforts from all peoples for peace in the region”. Dr Shaha emphasised that the YMCAs in the Middle East were working to serve everyone, regardless of religion.
The Hamas-dominated Palestinian Legislative Council in Gaza condemned the attack, calling it an attempt to “create tension between the Muslims and Christians who always lived as brothers over the years”. Several other Palestinian groups, in the West Bank as well as the Gaza Strip, issued similar statements.
Mr Saba said on Wednesday that his doors remained open to all, Muslims and Christians. “We are Arab Palestinians with one history, one language, one common culture. People love this place.” |
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