CV NEWS FEED // The death toll of Christians in Gaza has continued to rise according to a recent press release from Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) International.
Thirty Christians have died in Gaza in the past four months according to sources in contact with ACN, as the humanitarian situation for the small community of Christians living in Gaza worsens by the day.
Included among the victims are those killed during the strike on the Greek Orthodox parish in October, along with two women gunned down by snipers at Holy Family Catholic Church. The remaining 11 died from “chronic illness that could not be adequately treated,” the release stated.
Director of Project Development Office of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem George Arkroush told ACN food and fuel in the northern region of Gaza is becoming increasingly scarce, and difficult for residents to afford.
“For example, 20 liters of diesel cost €200, and only provide energy for the generators for two hours,” he said, adding that the future for Christians in Gaza is also dire:
They say that 62% of the houses have been totally destroyed, and that reconstruction will last until 2093 according to some International and United Nations agencies active on the ground.
With all of this, one has to ask what future is there for Christians in this country? What is going to happen? Nobody knows. Please, pray for us, do not forget the suffering of the Christians in this part of the world.
“The situation in the north of the Gaza Strip is very tense since it has come under full control of the Israeli military,” the press release stated. “The displaced Christians can leave the compound but with caution as things might escalate at any minute, the situation there is very risky.”
Akroush told ACN that “Any suspicious or dangerous movement will put your life at risk and might be your last. After four months under siege, they are tired, and many are sick.
Residents of Gaza with dual citizenship have been able to flee to countries such as Egypt, Canada, and Jordan. Gazans without dual citizenship are not able to leave, as they have no passport.
As CatholicVote previously reported, many Christans decided to remain in Gaza at the beginning of the conflict, despite the prospect of deteriorating conditions.
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