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Christians in Gaza return to homes to find them damaged or destroyed

Following the welcome ceasefire between Israel and Hamas last weekend, some 600 Christians sheltering in two churches in Gaza began returning to their homes – only to find that most have been severely impacted by the conflict.  

“About 75% of the houses of the Christians are damaged or totally destroyed,” says an Open Doors source. “The Christians still find shelter in the two church buildings as they didn’t return yet to their houses.

“Those who still have their own house will go back to it and they will take their relatives with them,” he adds. But it’s not without risk – the situation in Gaza remains volatile and many people have lost everything. “Some are scared that they may be attacked by people who have nothing.”

Please pray

• Give thanks for the ceasefire, and pray the agreement lasts
• For peace, strength and wisdom for Christians in Gaza, and for their protection
• For the release of all remaining hostages and the healing of all those traumatised by the conflict.