The Holy Family Church, shelled repeatedly during the war, has held a quiet service for the enclave’s small Catholic community
The Christian community in Gaza has held its first Christmas service since the start of the Hamas-Israel war two years ago, gathering for a subdued mass amid a ceasefire that has paused major combat operations across the enclave.
The service took place at the Holy Family Church, Gaza’s sole Catholic parish, which was repeatedly shelled during the conflict while serving as a shelter for displaced families. The celebrations were limited strictly inside the church, where as well as prayers, a Christmas tree was decorated, and carols were sung.
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Israeli forces have repeatedly bombed the Holy Family Church along with other places of worship in Gaza. In July, an Israeli tank fired a round at the church compound, killing three people and injuring ten others, including the local priest. The IDF described that strike as unintentional, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu apologized to Pope Francis, calling it a “stray ammunition” incident.
”We are still emerging from the aftermath of war,” community coordinator George Anton told NBC, saying all traditional festive activities outside of the service itself were canceled.
The Christian population in Gaza has declined sharply. Community leaders estimate only about 1,000 members remain, down from approximately 3,000 in 2007.
Israel launched its military campaign in the Palestinian enclave in response to a surprise Hamas attack in October 2023, in which 1,200 people were killed and 250 others taken hostage. The Hamas-run Gaza health authorities say the Israeli operations have left over 70,000 Palestinians dead.
The current US-brokered ceasefire, which took effect on October 10, called for Israeli forces to pull back from parts of the enclave and for a prisoner exchange. Despite the truce, Israeli airstrikes have continued, and humanitarian aid has lagged, worsening conditions in Gaza, according to UN agencies and regional mediators. Palestinians have accused West Jerusalem of violating the agreement.
According to a recent UN report, Gaza is suffering the worst economic collapse on record after two years of war, with about 70% of all structures damaged and most people forced to live in tents and rubble.
