War Chaos: Gazan Christians bury loved ones in Muslim graveyards
text_fieldsGaza: Under the frightening conditions in Gaza after the enclave became so dangerous to travel and movement amid the chaotic war between Hamas and Israel, Palestinian Christians are now burying their loved ones in Muslim cemeteries, Reuters reported.
A graveyard worker here told Reuters that he had been working there for 10 years, and it was the first time he had seen Christians being buried in Muslim graveyards. He adds that the war has left the Gazan people no choice.
Since the war started in October, Israel's armed offensive inside Gaza has killed more than 33,000 Palestinians. Figures published by the Gaza health ministry suggest that the dead are mostly civilians, and many lost their entire families.
The war has imparted huge damage to the enclave, turning it into a wasteland. Buildings are reduced to rubble and dust, while hospitals are badly damaged and unable to cope with the region's health emergencies. Hunger and impending famine are adding to the Gazan's misery.
People are frightened to travel along roads which could be bombarded at any time. Israel has not allowed residents to return to northern Gaza, where the Christian cemetery is located.
The grave keeper said that they don't discriminate among Muslims or Christians there. He said that he had to take care of Christian's loved ones who were brought to be buried there. He believes that one must protect God's creations on earth.
Reuters report that cooperation between Christians and Muslims is not unusual in Gaza.
He said, "He is a human being; we respect human beings and appreciate humanity, and we love every person on earth. It is not in our nature as Muslims to hate humanity," Reuters quoted him.