A delegation from the parliamentary bloc of Change and Reform headed by Hamas leader Mahmoud Al-Zahar visited the Orthodox and Catholic community in the Gaza Strip on Thursday.

The parliamentary delegation included Al-Zahar, MP Mushir Al-Masri and MP Jamal Nassar. The delegation was received by Archbishop Alexios from the Roman and Orthodox communities, and Father Mario from the Latin community.

The delegation stressed the good relationship and the values ​​of love, fraternity and coexistence among all Palestinian people, Muslims and Christians, as one of the principle of the Palestinian people.

Al-Zahar stressed his keenness on coexistence, security and stability for Christians in the Gaza Strip, adding that these visits are meant to enhance communication between the Palestinian people.

He pointed out, “The occupation does not differentiate between us as Palestinians, and that we have the same cause,  and we will remain steadfast on this land until the liberation of Palestine.”

Zahar stressed the need to liberate Islamic and Christian holy sites, particularly Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre , and to establish the  Palestinian state on the entire soil of Palestine.

For his part, MP ,Jamal Nassar, said that the Christians in Gaza live in safety, just like Muslims without discrimination, and this visit aims to tackle their problems and demands, if any, in order to help them develop and seek appropriate solutions.

Both Archbishop Alexios and Father Mario expressed their gratitude to the parliamentary delegation.

"Gaza is a good example of coexistence for all the world, and you know very well that we are the Palestinian representatives of the Catholic Church and the Vatican. We are part of the Palestinian people and we shall always work together," Father Mario said