Once more, sadly, we seem to be in a cycle of escalating violence between Israelis and Palestinians. How many times have we seen this endless and pointless violence? Israelis and Arab leaders, plus Western envoys, are trying to bring a ceasefire, which as of today, 22 June 2021, seems to be in place for now.
Israel blames Palestine and the Palestinians blame Israel and so it goes on. Civilians on both sides get caught in the crossfire. Hamas has launched hundreds of rockets into Israel, with Israel, hitting targets in Gaza. Peace seems to come for a brief period, then some issue or incident causes violence which then, escalates again into conflict.
Rana, a Palestinian Christian spoke to Premier Christian news, about her fears. Rana stated, that this is the worst violence she has seen between the two sides.
She fears the situation is escalating to full-scale war. Rana lives in Bethlehem, and she has witnessed many conflicts, between the two sides. However, she is worried about the street violence in mixed areas of Arabs and Jews.
It has been a very long time indeed since Arabs and Jews have fought with the police and each other. Israel’s President himself called for an end to clashes taking place in Israel’s towns and cities. The scenario of a civil war in Israel, as outlined by the Israeli President, (who like our Queen, is only a figurehead), will for many Christians, Muslims, and Jews, be a horrifying event. Rana, however, remains steadfast in her faith and that God in his mercy, will provide a way out of this impasse.
Of the 13 million Palestinians that live in Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank, 20% of the population is Christian. All the denominations are represented, from Orthodox, Catholics, Baptists, Anglicans, Methodists, etc. People often have the impression that Palestinians are overwhelmingly Muslim. The majority faith is Islam, yes, but there are also significant Christian Arabs, too.
However, many Christians over the years and now, are leaving Israel and the Occupied Territories. They are seeking a better life for themselves in other countries, because of the incessant atmosphere of violence. Even though the population of Christians is dwindling, many hold out in Bethlehem, Nazareth, (located in the West Bank), and other parts where our Lord walked, keeping the flame of Christ burning bright.
It has to be said, the issue of Israel and Palestine, like other controversial issues, divides the Christian community worldwide. You will find as many Israel-supporting Christians as you will Palestinian ones. These can be individuals, churches, social media groups, organizations, etc.
Israel and Palestine seemed to be governed by extremes. On the one hand, you have Hamas, an Islamic party dedicated to the destruction of the Jewish state. On the other hand, you have Benjamin Netanyahu who is thought of as being on the right, of Israeli politics. Israel clearly has the right to defend itself from the barrage of missiles and indiscriminate terrorist attacks on its civilians, but both governments seem stuck in their ways with their intransigence, stubbornness, and corruption not helping the cause. Sadly, the interference of Iran and Hezbollah has clearly made this conflict about the destruction of Israel and hatred towards Jews.
Despite all this violence and strife, there are many Arabs and Jews who are friends and want peace. Let us hope and pray, that the path of peace will shine through and bring lasting peace and justice to both peoples.
Here is a prayer, from the Premier Christian article, about Rana:
Dear Lord,
Hear our prayers for all those caught
up
in the conflict in the Holy Land.
May there be an end to the fighting and
division
and may those who grieve the loss of
loved ones
find comfort in love.
