Christians in Gaza Express Cautious Hope at Christmas

After two consecutive years of war, a fragile sense of hope has cautiously resurfaced among them. Nearly three months after a ceasefire came into effect, Palestinian Christians, from to Gaza to Bethlehem, marked Christmas with public celebrations once again.

Before the Israel-Hamas war, Gaza’s Christian population barely exceeded 1,000. Since the war began, about half have left, seeking safety abroad. According to church sources, those who remain, Roman Catholic and Greek Orthodox principally, are displaced, having lost their homes during the bombardment, and many continue to shelter in the parish compounds or with extended family.

Churches and mosques in Gaza were not spared during the war. Religious affiliation offered no protection as places of worship were targeted. The Greek Orthodox Church of St. Porphyrios — one of the oldest functioning churches in the world — was struck while civilians were sheltering inside, killing 18 people. In total, 23 Palestinian Christians were killed in direct attacks on churches and their surroundings.

Both Holy Family Catholic Church and St. Porphyrios are located near what is known as the “yellow line,” an area adjacent to zones of ongoing Israeli military activity inside the Gaza Strip. Explosions along and within this fluid line occur almost daily. The sound of nearby blasts can be heard inside the churches, startling worshipers and reinforcing a persistent sense of vulnerability. Nevertheless, congregants continue to attend services, insisting on remaining in their land and clinging to patience and prayer.

By Diaa Ostaz