Christians in Gaza face dire situation after 100 days of war

GAZA STRIP — After enduring 100 days of war, marked by killings, forced displacement, and the destruction of churches and religious structures, the Christians of Gaza face a dire situation.

Despite being a minority in the besieged Gaza Strip, Christians faced severe hardships as they witnessed the destruction of churches, monasteries, and hospitals, leaving only 800 Christians in the region. Their plea for help and the cessation of the ongoing war in Gaza has fallen on deaf ears, with the world remaining silent.

Even as Christians sought refuge in buildings near their churches, destruction continued to follow them, resulting in a death toll of 20 people, a high figure for a community with a pre-war figure of approximately 2,000. The first major tragedy occurred with the bombing of the Al-Mamadani Hospital, followed by an attack on a building belonging to the Greek Orthodox Church of Saint Porphyrius.

During Christmas week, two women were laid to rest in the monastery of the Latin Church, while seven others sought refuge after being targeted by an Israeli sniper.

Pope Francis, expressing concern for the dire situation in the Gaza Strip and the Holy Land, urged leaders of Eastern Catholic Churches and officials to take necessary measures to assist those in need. Unfortunately, the international community has yet to respond in any meaningful way to their calls for help.