This year, Orthodox Christians in war-ravaged Gaza are facing a deeply somber Christmas. With escalating conflict enveloping the region, it feels as though the holiday spirit has been extinguished, leaving worshippers lamenting the absence of gifts and joy for their children.
In the Church of Saint Porphyrius in Gaza City, a small gathering of around a dozen Orthodox Christians met for the traditional service, even as the sounds of battle echoed throughout the Palestinian enclave. Amidst the turmoil, Archbishop Alexios of Tiberias led the congregation in lighting candles and praying for their loved ones, desperately seeking an end to the relentless conflict that has persisted for over 15 months.
It’s important to note that Orthodox Christians celebrate the festive occasion on January 7, giving them a chance to mark it with their unique traditions. Yet for many this year, Ramez al-Suri shared the stark reality: “The holidays are reduced to solemn prayers, void of gifts or any semblance of joy for the kids.” He went on to express, “We sincerely hope that all nations can come together to enforce a ceasefire in Gaza.”
Reflecting on the ongoing conflict, al-Suri noted, “Our prayers, as always, focus on peace. We long for an end to this war, where love and tranquility reign supreme.”
The Church of Saint Porphyrius has not remained untouched by the violence; it suffered damage during an Israeli airstrike in October 2023, leaving marks of destruction evident among the nearby ruins. Observing the remnants surrounding the church, Fuad Ayyad, another congregation member, articulated, “Every day, we awaken to the sounds of bombings, massacres, and the unwarranted loss of life.” His expression of sorrow was palpable as he remarked, “The joy we usually feel during the holiday is overshadowed by a deep sense of mourning affecting Christians and Muslims alike.”
In a broader context, globally recognized leader Pope Francis appealed for peace during his Christmas address on December 25, a day when many around the world celebrated. He emphasized the urgent need for “a halt to arms” across the globe, specifically spotlighting the dire situation in the Middle East, Ukraine, and Sudan. The escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, he noted, is of “extreme gravity,” leaving the local population in dire straits.
The backdrop of this turmoil has been catastrophic. Official figures indicate that the Hamas attack last October resulted in over 1,200 deaths, with most being civilians. The situation has only worsened as ongoing military actions led by Israel have claimed the lives of an astounding 45,885 individuals in Gaza, predominantly non-combatants according to health ministry statistics considered credible by the United Nations.
Shifting focus slightly, reports have surfaced of Israeli military operations in the West Bank. Three Palestinian militants were reportedly killed in separate operations, with local medics indicating that one of the deceased was a teenager. The military, in its official statements, claimed that the raids were part of a “counterterrorism” strategy, presenting a narrative of targeting armed threats.
The Israeli army noted that two militants were killed during an air force strike on an “armed terrorist cell,” while Palestinian sources reported that an 18-year-old involved in skirmishes was also a casualty. The deceased, Suleiman Qutaishat, was mourned by his community, illustrating the ripple effects of violence permeating the fabric of daily life.
As the conflict continues, local health ministries have documented numerous casualties, representing the tragedies of war that pummel both the Palestinian and Israeli communities. Residents of Tammun observed that Israeli forces had taken the body of one individual from the site of a raid, raising further concerns about accountability and the ever-deepening divide.
The violence has escalated beyond the confines of Gaza. Since the onset of the war, over 800 Palestinians have lost their lives at the hands of Israeli troops or settlers in the West Bank, a territory occupied since 1967. Conversely, Israeli authorities have reported at least 28 Israeli fatalities during the same period, painting a grim picture of mutual suffering.
Tragically, recent violence claimed three Israeli lives when gunmen attacked vehicles on a highway in northern West Bank, underscoring the ongoing cycle of violence and retaliation that drags both sides deeper into turmoil.
As Orthodox Christians gather in prayer this Christmas, their hopes for peace and the resumption of normalcy hang in the air like candles flickering in the wind—a poignant reminder of the human cost of conflict, where prayers for peace echo in the hearts of many, regardless of faith.
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
Axadle international–Monitoring
