Israel poses grave threats to Christians in Gaza, Palestinian delegation warns EU

A delegation from the Higher Presidential Committee for Church Affairs in Palestine has warned about the detrimental impact of current Israeli policies on the Christian community in Gaza, calling on the European Union to address the threats facing the Palestinian Christians in the besieged enclave. 

The delegation made the appeal at a meeting with European Union officials in Brussels on Saturday, which was convened with the support of the Palestinian mission to the bloc, according to Palestine’s official Wafa news agency.

During the meeting, Reverend Mitri Raheb, a prominent voice in the delegation, emphasized the alarming decrease in the Palestinian Christian demographic, warning that the continuation of Israeli policies could lead to the disappearance of the Palestinian Christian presence within the coming decades.

He also underscored the increasing assaults on churches, Christian institutions, and educational facilities within Gaza.

Raheb further noted that inflammatory rhetoric by extremist figures within the Israeli regime has contributed to a dangerous climate of incitement and impunity that encourages attacks against Palestinian Christians.

He also stated that the issue extends beyond Palestinian Christians alone and concerns the future of religious and cultural pluralism in Palestine and the wider region.

Raheb further stressed the need for the EU to take a more decisive stance in defense of international law,  human rights, and accountability for the ongoing Israeli violations.

He also emphasized that safeguarding the Palestinian Christian community constitutes a moral, humanitarian, and international obligation.

The delegation concluded by stressing the importance of continued dialogue and coordination with European member states aimed at ending the occupation, achieving justice and freedom for the Palestinian people, and protecting their holy sites and historic presence.

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