Christians in Gaza mark Christmas amid ongoing Israeli war and hope for peace

In Gaza’s Latin Church, residents mark a sombre second consecutive Christmas amid the ongoing Israeli war, now lasting over 400 days. The war, which has devastated both Christians and Muslims, has caused widespread destruction, with many seeking refuge in the church after their homes were levelled. Worshippers describe grief over lost loved ones and disrupted lives, highlighting the church’s critical role in sheltering them. Celebrations are muted, with prayers for an immediate ceasefire and an end to Israeli shelling. The absence of family and the ruins of homes overshadow the season, as hope rests on peace and rebuilding. Al Jazeera’s Ibrahim al-Khalili reports from northern Gaza. #Palestine #Gaza #GazaChristians #GazaLatinChurch #ChristmasInGaza #GazaUnderAttack #GazaHumanitarianCrisis #Israel #GazaWar #IsraelWar #Christmas2024 #IsraelGazaWar #NorthernGaza #GazaBombardment