Christians in Gaza forced to bury dead in Muslim cemeteries amid ongoing conflict

GAZA STRIP — Amidst the protracted conflict between Israel and Hamas, the Christian community in Gaza finds itself grappling with profound sorrow as they are compelled to lay their loved ones to rest in Muslim cemeteries due to the dangers of traversing the Gaza Strip.

Since the conflict erupted last October, the toll has been staggering, with an estimated 33,000 Palestinians, predominantly civilians, losing their lives and countless homes reduced to rubble, according to figures from the Palestinian Authority.

The devastation wrought by the violence has exacerbated an already dire situation in hospitals, which are overwhelmed and unable to adequately care for the injured, while widespread famine grips the Palestinian population.

The harrowing daily reality of living amidst the constant threat of death exacts a heavy toll on Palestinians, particularly in terms of the heartbreaking challenge of finding suitable burial grounds for their deceased.

In Gaza, the Christian community faces a unique dilemma, as they are forced to inter their departed in Muslim cemeteries due to the perilous conditions of traversing hazardous roads.

Christian burial sites, located in Gaza’s northern region, are off-limits for crossing or entry, as stipulated by Israeli authorities. Consequently, families like that of Hani Suheil Abu Dawood have no choice but to lay their loved ones to rest in Muslim cemeteries.

Ihsan al-Natour, a worker at the Tal al-Sultan cemetery, received the body of Dawood because it was too dangerous for his family to travel amid the siege. They were unable to say goodbye to him properly.

“So we’ve buried him here at the Tal al-Sultan cemetery. We don’t discriminate between Muslims or Christians here. He’s buried amongst Muslims and there are no signs that indicate he is Christian,” he said.

“I have to take care of him because he is Christian. We have to protect God’s creations on this earth,” said al-Natour.