Christmas is around the corner but for the people of Gaza there will be no lights for the third consecutive year. Amid intense suffering, displacement, and loss, the joy that prevailed before the war has been crushed.

Churches, typically decorated during the festive season by Christian communities in Gaza, have become places where people grieve — no longer associated with Christmas celebrations.

A community without sanctuary

Christian places of worship have been repeatedly targeted throughout Israel’s war on Gaza — devastating three major churches and killing dozens of Christians.

Etched on the walls of the Church of the Holy Family are the scars of war, caused by repeated shelling. The church is widely recognised as Gaza’s sole Catholic church and despite that has been the target of repeated Israeli attacks since October 2023. In the most recent assault in July 2025, three people have been killed, and nine others, including the parish priest, were injured.

Gaza’s Christian community, which represents 1,000 out of 2.4 million Palestinians, has faced heavy losses, with many families forced to flee or seek refuge outside the Strip.

Border crossing restrictions have hindered the flow of medicines and supplies, leading to many deaths among the wounded and sick. In response, churches have provided food, shelter, and essential aid to displaced Christian families, helping to ease the humanitarian crisis.

Christmas interrupted in Gaza

Christmas celebrations in Gaza have been reduced to quiet masses and somber prayers inside churches. Gone are the outdoor events and festive programs that once brought joy to children and the elderly alike.

The vibrant lights, decorations, and hymns that would typically fill the streets with joy have been replaced with darkness.

For the children of Gaza, the holidays have become a painful reminder of what was lost. Without the joy of festive gatherings, they find themselves living through an incomplete Christmas — overshadowed by grief for their fallen loved ones and the homes they had to abandon.

The echoes of distant shelling and gunfire still cut through the air, a harsh reminder of the violence that has stolen their sense of security and peace. The once-lively streets that would have been filled with laughter and celebration now carry the weight of sorrow and survival.

Can hope prevail?

Even in the darkest of times, hope remains a flicker in the hearts of Gaza’s Christian community. Despite the hardships, Gaza’s Christian population continues to advocate for their right to live in safety and stability. They believe that a more peaceful and joyful future is possible, even amid ceasefire violations.

During this difficult period, the community remains committed to rebuilding their homes and country — viewing this period in time as an opportunity to heal and restore justice.

Meanwhile, Palestinians continue to raise their voices globally. They are demanding their rights and the creation of an independent state that offers true security and stability for all.

Buildings have fallen, but the faith remains

The Christian community in Gaza continues to bear the heavy toll of war, with many families seeking refuge in churches after their homes were destroyed. The church continues to care for its community, providing food, clothing, and shelter, and offering a semblance of normalcy amidst indescribable devastation.

Despite the profound sorrow from losing loved ones, children still try to embrace simple Christmas rituals. They hang decorations on trees in a small but meaningful effort to reclaim some of the joy that’s been stolen from them.

In the face of destruction and hardship, the holidays in Gaza stand as a powerful symbol of resilience and hope — a message of peace and unwavering determination to keep going no matter the challenges.

Featured image via WAFA News agency

By Alaa Shamali

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