Gaza: At Least 30 Christians Killed Since the Start of the War

The situation in Gaza has become increasingly desperate. Supplies remain a major problem in the north: “20 liters of diesel now costs €200 and only provides enough energy to run generators for two hours,” explains George Akroush, director of the Project Development Office of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem.

Seven religious sisters and a priest provide support to those who sought refuge in the Catholic Holy Family parish. The number of refugees had reached 700 people before decreasing due to emigration and deaths. There are currently 184 families, or 560 Christians – Catholic and Orthodox – including 60 disabled people.

According to George Akroush, the number of Christians who lost their lives rose to 30. Among them are the 17 victims of the bombing of the Greek Orthodox church in October 2023, and two women who were Holy Family parishioners killed by snipers. 11 people died from illnesses that could not be properly treated.

Hygiene Is a Major Problem

Hani Abu Daud, a 48-year-old man, needed regular dialysis. As hospitals in the north stopped functioning, he had to travel to the south for treatment. But soon it was no longer possible to get treatment there. Hani died alone, far from his family. He was buried in the south, where there are no clergy or Christian cemeteries.

“Hygiene has become a serious problem, especially for children, who are falling ill due to the shortage of water and the lack of basic products such as flour and diapers,” explains George Akroush. Medical care is disastrous, and ten people with chronic illnesses are at risk of death in the absence of appropriate treatment.

Residents who have a second nationality have chosen to leave the Gaza Strip and seek refuge in countries such as Egypt, Canada, and Jordan. Although initially they did not want to leave, the difficult situation they experienced over the past four months led many of them to make this decision.

Currently, the situation in the northern Gaza Strip is very tense. Displaced Christians can leave the parish grounds, but with caution. “Any suspicious movement puts their lives in danger and may be their last. After four months of siege, they are tired, and many are sick,” explains George Akroush.

With the help of organizations such as ACN, the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem has been able to provide medicine and food, and finance some medical treatments. For George Akroush, the massive destruction of housing and other structures raises a major question mark over the future of Christians in the region.

“62% of the houses have been completely destroyed, and according to United Nations agencies operating on the ground, reconstruction will last until 2093. Faced with this tragedy, the question is: what is the future of Christians in the country? No one knows. Please pray for us, don’t forget the suffering of Christians in this part of the world.”