分类： world

The Israeli airstrike on the fifth-century Church of Saint Porphyrius in Gaza has drawn international attention to the besieged territory’s diminishing Christian population, killing at least 18 civilians who had sought refuge within its sacred walls. This attack on one of Christianity’s oldest surviving places of worship underscores the vulnerable position of Palestinian Christians in the conflict-ridden region.

Gaza’s Christian community, numbering approximately 1,100 today, represents a continuous spiritual lineage dating back to the earliest centuries of Christianity. The territory holds profound biblical significance, specifically mentioned in Acts 8 regarding Philip the Evangelist’s journey between Jerusalem and Gaza. The Church of Saint Porphyrius, established in 425 CE and reconstructed by Crusaders in the 12th century, stands alongside the fourth-century Tell Umm Amer monastery as testament to Gaza’s rich Christian heritage.

Christianity took firm root in Gaza during the fifth century under Byzantine influence, overcoming strong pagan traditions through the missionary work of figures like Bishop Porphyrius. The faith flourished until the Arab conquests brought gradual Islamization, though a Christian minority persisted through centuries of change.

The modern era has witnessed a dramatic decline in Gaza’s Christian population, from approximately 6,000 in the 1960s to today’s precarious numbers. Like their Muslim counterparts, Palestinian Christians have endured displacement since the 1948 Nakba and Israel’s subsequent blockade imposed in 2007. They face severe restrictions on movement, requiring Israeli permits to visit holy sites in Jerusalem or the West Bank—permits that are frequently denied even for major religious observances like Christmas and Easter.

Despite their small numbers, Gaza’s churches have traditionally served as sanctuaries for all civilians during conflicts. The bombing of Saint Porphyrius challenges this historical protection and raises concerns about the preservation of ancient Christian heritage in the region. The incident highlights how Gaza’s Christians, while maintaining unique religious traditions, see themselves as inseparable from the broader Palestinian national identity and shared struggle.

Two decades ago, on March 20, 2003, the United States and its allies launched a devastating military campaign against Iraq, marking the beginning of a conflict that would reshape the nation’s destiny. The invasion, initiated under the pretext of eliminating weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) allegedly harbored by Saddam Hussein, quickly escalated into a full-scale war. The ‘shock and awe’ strategy saw hundreds of missiles rain down on Baghdad, leaving the city in ruins and its citizens in chaos. Despite the swift overthrow of Saddam’s regime, the invasion unleashed a cascade of unintended consequences that continue to haunt Iraq today. The absence of WMDs, later confirmed, raised questions about the legitimacy of the war, while the power vacuum left in its wake fueled sectarian violence, insurgencies, and the rise of extremist groups like the Islamic State (IS). The invasion’s aftermath has been marked by widespread destruction, displacement, and a profound sense of loss among Iraqis. Cities like Mosul, once vibrant cultural hubs, remain scarred by years of conflict. The Christian community, which once thrived in Iraq, has dwindled significantly, with many fleeing persecution. Despite the fall of IS, the road to recovery remains fraught with challenges, as Iraqis grapple with the enduring legacy of a war that promised liberation but delivered devastation.