The history of Christians in Palestine is deeply intertwined with the region's rich religious and cultural scene. Dating back to antiquity, Christianity flourished in the Holy Land following the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Early Christian communities established themselves in Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Nazareth, and other biblical sites, becoming integral parts of the diverse population of the region. Throughout the centuries, Christians in Palestine endured periods of prosperity and persecution, influenced by shifts in political power and religious dynamics.
During the Byzantine era, Christianity became the dominant religion in Palestine, with churches and monasteries dotting the landscape. However, the Arab-Muslim conquest in the 7th century brought significant changes to the region, ushering in a new era of Islamic rule. Despite these shifts, Christians continued to practice their faith, contributing to the cultural and intellectual life of Palestine. Over time, the community faced challenges such as Crusader conquests, Ottoman rule, and modern tensions involving Israel. Today, Palestinian Christians represent a minority within the broader Palestinian population, facing ongoing challenges related to religious freedom, political conflict, and socioeconomic marginalisation. Despite these obstacles, they continue to maintain their religious traditions and cultural heritage, contributing to the vibrant mosaic of identity in Palestine.
Christians in East Jerusalem today form a small but resilient community within the diverse fabric of the city. Amidst the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the challenges of living in a divided city, East Jerusalem's Christians strive to preserve their religious heritage and cultural identity. Despite facing socioeconomic disparities and occasional tensions with neighboring Jewish settler communities, East Jerusalem's Christians play an essential role in dialogue and promoting peaceful coexistence in deeply contested Jerusalem.
As for the current situation between Israel and Hamas, the world’s third oldest church is located in Gaza City. The Greek orthodox church of St. Porphyrius was serving as a shelter for the displaced, with all religions welcome and it has been for all previous occasions of conflict with Israel. This church has been bombed two separate times since October 2023. The bombings and raids of churches, mosques and hospitals by the IDF are concerning as people in Gaza are asking where it is actually safe to take shelter.
The damage to St Porphyrius in Gaza City, Gaza.