A small group of Gazan Christians are facing hardship as the conflict between Israel and Gaza has continued for one month.
There are 1,312 known Christians residing in the Gaza Strip, most of them identifying as Greek Orthodox. The group is suffering amidst the political turmoil in the region; more than half are living as refugees. About one third have no income to support their families.
A survey conducted by the Gaza Strip YMCA, in collaboration with Embrace the Middle East and the Pontifical Mission in Jerusalem, found that the Christian population in Gaza has decreased by about one fifth in the past twenty years.
"This community has been surviving under a difficult and critical political, economic, and social situation," the survey said.
"Christians continue to suffer from the absence of security, a prevailing poor economic situation due to the seven-year blockade, and the repercussions of Palestinian internal division which affects all aspects of life in Gaza..." the survey continued.
The conflict in the region had created an environment of danger for Gazan Christians, but many wish to stay in the Gaza Strip for religious regions, national pride or to remain with family.
Publication date: August 12, 2014
