Gaza’s Christians in the Face of War
Christians in Gaza live in various areas throughout the Gaza Strip. At one point, there were around 1,100 Christians living in neighborhoods like Rimal, Tel al-Hawa, al-Nasr, and al-Zaytoun. They work in many professions, such as goldsmithing and trade, while their children attend local schools, and many are employed in private, local, and government institutions.
Since October 7, all Christians in Gaza have taken refuge in churches, leaving behind their homes and belongings due to the war and Israel’s announcement instructing everyone to leave the city and move south. Throughout the conflict, hundreds of families lost their homes, businesses, and workplaces, and the city suffered extensive destruction. Christian families seeking safety in churches faced difficult conditions due to the heavy bombing.
Families were divided between different churches in Gaza City (in the north), with 550 Christians taking shelter in the St Porphyrios Orthodox Church and others in the Holy Family Latin Church. Unfortunately, the Church of St. Porphyrios was struck by a nearby bombing, resulting in the death of 20 Christians. Following the collapse of the building, around 100 Christians relocated to the Latin Church, which had a school building capable of accommodating them. However, even the Latin Church came under fire, and a mother and daughter lost their lives when Israeli soldiers entered the area.
Since then, the churches have been providing food, water, and medical care to their members with the help of various international and Christian organizations (including Bethlehem Bible College’s own Shepherd Society) that generously reached out to assist. Christian families endured months without flour, just like many others in Gaza, and at one point, people resorted to eating animal food in place of bread until the United Nations coordinated the delivery of flour to the area.
Some Christian families managed to obtain visas to leave the country, but Israel eventually closed all crossings into and out of Gaza. As of now, there are 640 Christians sheltering in the two churches, and the churches are doing everything they can to support them with the limited resources they have.
Gaza is currently completely sealed off, with no one allowed to enter or leave. Christians in Gaza will remain in the churches until the war ends and they can return to their homes and rebuild their lives. Unfortunately, it will be a difficult process, as many have lost everything, with no place to live due to the widespread destruction, especially in northern Gaza.
The situation for Christians in Gaza is dire. Basic necessities like food, meat, and medicine are scarce, and when available, they are sold at prices too high for most people to afford. Even fruits, vegetables, and baby formula are extremely difficult to find.
In the midst of these immense challenges, we, as Christians, ask for your prayers. First, for an end to the war, and second, for the sick and elderly, as well as for the urgent need for medical supplies that are not reaching Gaza. Please pray that God protects us during this difficult time.
Despite the hardship, the resilience of Gaza’s Christian community shines through. They remain hopeful, supporting one another with the help of local churches and international organizations. Leaning on their faith in these dark times, they continue to pray for peace and the day they can return to their homes, rebuild their lives, and restore hope for a brighter future. While the road ahead is difficult, their spirit of unity and perseverance reminds us all of the strength found in faith and community. Let us continue to lift them up in our prayers as they endure these trying times, with the hope that peace will soon prevail.
