Gaza: Christians resilient as war goes on

‘Jesus is in the rubble’ according to a Middle Eastern pastor, as Gaza continues to face intense Israeli military action and fears of war spreading accelerate.

Rhiannon de Laune (see photo), from Christian charity Embrace the Middle East, was quoting a Bethlehem pastor, Munther Isaac.

Speaking to en, de Laune said that, humanly, it appeared there was little hope for the people of Gaza.

‘Our partners are Christians who have faith in what is unseen,’ she said. ‘Most of them are sheltering in their churches right now, but they are fully committed to serving their communities in Gaza, being Jesus’ hands and feet in the dark places, bringing healing and love to those who need it. Munther Isaac, a Lutheran pastor in Bethlehem, says simply that ‘Jesus is in the rubble’.

‘Air, land and sea bombardments continue every day, so there are no safe places. Around 85% of the population in Gaza is now displaced, with the majority living in UN shelters. Incidents of acute food insecurity are increasing and famine is a real risk. The lack of clean water and food is leading to hundreds of thousands of people with respiratory infections and diarrhoea, with children particularly affected. Hospitals continue to be targeted in strikes and medical staff are regularly detained, which makes dealing with disease and the hundreds of deaths and injuries an impossible task. Very recently the UN has re-stocked four hospitals in the north, including Embrace’s partner, Al Ahli Arab Hospital. This has been attacked several times and the supplies it does have are nowhere near enough.

‘Embrace works solely through local partnerships and our partners have been incredibly resilient. One, the Near East Council of Churches, is running psychosocial workshops for children in the south, as well as some basic clinics and some hygiene and nutrition awareness. We also offer short term job creation and food to families in Ashkelon. Currently a number of big donors are supporting rapid responses in Gaza. Embrace has partnered with Middle East Christians for 170 years; these enduring relationships will enable us to support subsequent phases of relief work long after the initial humanitarian response is over.’