Report: Rising violence against Christians observed in the Holy Land
The Council of Patriarchs in Jerusalem presented a report on growing threats to Christians and the destruction of churches in Gaza and the West Bank.
A new assessment by the Council of Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem describes the grave situation facing Christian communities in the Holy Land. The report was published by the Orthodoxia News Agency portal on December 25, 2025.
The report by the Council of Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem records an escalation of violence, restrictions, and economic pressure on the Christian communities of the Holy Land.
It notes that churches, schools, and hospitals have sustained damage, especially in Gaza and on the West Bank of the Jordan River. It also points to the danger of unjust taxation, which complicates the work of religious institutions.
The authors draw attention to the severe situation of Christians in Gaza: fewer than 600 faithful remain within two church compounds where they are seeking refuge. The churches of the Holy Family and Saint Porphyrius have been damaged, as has the Al-Ahli hospital, which has been operating under a fivefold workload. The report notes shortages of medicines and limited access for humanitarian aid.
Particular concern is expressed about the situation in the West Bank, where settler attacks are increasingly directed against Christian churches, believers, and property.
The document underscores the need to preserve the ceasefire, ensure freedom of religion, and restore funding for the churches’ humanitarian initiatives. The council also calls on the international community to assist in the restoration of damaged churches, schools, and hospitals, to prevent attacks on the faithful, and to guarantee conditions for the revival of local Christian communities.
As the UOJ reported, Christians in the Holy Land are asking Israel to save Gaza’s children suffering from cancer.
