World’s oldest Christians in Gaza face existential threat with Israeli bombing

The historic Christian community in Gaza is facing an existential threat as Israeli bombings intensify, leading to the destruction of religious sites and claiming innocent lives. The conflict, which began on October 7, has seen over 10,000 Palestinians killed in Gaza, with the Christian minority, numbering between 800 to 1,000, caught in the crossfire, according to Al Jazeera.

Talking to Al Jazeera, Diana Tarazi, a 38-year-old Palestinian Christian, along with her family sought refuge in the Holy Family Church, the only Roman Catholic place of worship in Gaza. However, their sanctuary was shattered when nearby landmarks, including the Church of Saint Porphyrius, Gaza's oldest Greek Orthodox site, became unintended targets of Israeli airstrikes, resulting in at least 18 deaths.

Mitri Raheb, an Evangelical Lutheran pastor, expressed concerns that this conflict might spell the end of the ancient Christian community in Gaza. With only a small number remaining, Raheb believes that the current wave of violence may lead to the extinction of Christianity in the region.

Gaza's Christian community dates back to the first century, making it the oldest Christian community in the world. However, due to the ongoing conflict, the number of Christians in Gaza has dwindled over the years. The situation worsened in 2007 when Hamas assumed control of the strip, prompting Israel's blockade and accelerating the departure of Christians.

The West Bank, home to more than 47,000 Christians, has also witnessed a rise in violence and persecution. Raheb highlighted that attacks on clergy and churches in the West Bank have quadrupled this year compared to the previous year.

Recent incidents in Jerusalem further illustrate the escalating tensions. Israeli settlers desecrated over 30 graves in the Protestant Mount Zion Cemetery, displaying a disturbing level of hostility. Additionally, attacks on an Armenian bar in the Christian quarter and a memorial service in the Armenian Quarter point to a troubling rise in violence against Christians in the Holy Land.

As the international community grapples with the ongoing conflict, there are growing fears that the constant threat of violence may force Christians to leave the Holy Land altogether. The tragic story of Ramez al-Souri, who lost his three children in the bombing of the Church of Saint Porphyrius, highlights the devastating impact of the conflict on innocent lives.