Layla Moran's family trapped in Catholic church and under attack from IDF

I have no idea just how Christians in the UK are affiliated with Eastern Christianity .
There are a small minority of Lutherans and Evangelicals But The Majority of Churches in Jerusalem and Bethlehem are Catholic , Eastern Orthodox, Coptic , Maronite . The Church of Saint Anne is considered a French Domaine.
The Holy fire ceremony for example is so important it’s broadcasted live on TV in Many countries , so naturally there is a strong affiliation and sympathy with Christians in that part of the world . so it’s easier for them to legally immigrate.

I don't think the UK cares about Christians either. It's probably only Catholic countries like Italy that care about them. Which is ironic, given that they have been there since biblical times and are a repository of Christian memory and faith, and the UK is supposed to be built on Christian values. Not these kinds of Christian, I suppose.

It's quite shocking the fall in the number of Palestinian Christians in Gaza - wonder if a disproportionate number of them had dual passports/overseas connections that made it possible for them to leave via Egypt in the last couple of months

It would be naive to think the US government or even public cares very much about Christians being targeted in Gaza or the West Bank. Or course there is a powerful lobby of Evangelical Christians in the USA. But they want the war to spread until Armageddon comes and along with it the Rapture. Then Jesus will return and everyone will be Christian.

As for actually existing Christians in Palestine they aren't too bothered. They may have been there for 2000 years but they are not Evangelicals you see.

Thank you for sharing that, very powerful. It made me search for the full sermon -sharing here in case anyone else that wants to listen to the whole speech.

https://www.instagram.com/tv/C1PwQFCtgWx/?igsh=MXRicGptMzFrdG13Zw==

Thanks @queenofarles that’s really good to know.

A message from Reverend Munther Isaac fom Palestine this Christmas.

'If you are not appalled by what is happening in Gaza, there is something wrong with your humanity. We the Palestinian people will recover. But for those who are complicit, I feel sorry for you. Will you ever recover from this?
We will not accept your apology after the Genocide
I want you to look at the mirror and ask, where was I when Gaza was going through a genocide?
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C1QdQe2IYpE/?igsh=dnV3MW0weXYzbXhs

Merry Christmas @Parkingt111

You are one of the most balanced and considerate posters on here. Bless you.

what a relief aid was delivered to them.

I listened to the sermon by Rev Munther Issac In Bethlehem last night , so powerful.
there are no words left, it must stop.

Desertrose I think the missile fell within the vicinity of the Monastery. no casualties or damage.

@Parkingt111 Thank you. You too. @Efacsen Yes, glad they have something to eat, but I hope food is getting to everyone there, as so many must be hungry. Peace to you both and all reading x

@stormy4319trevor it's hard to comprehend. I heard Away in a manger playing outside and even though I don't celebrate Christmas it made me quite emotional, thinking of all the babies who don't have a safe place to stay right now in the holy land.
Sending you a hug

@Efacsen thankful for small mercies

I'm sorry. I can't bring myself to say merry Christmas. Because it isn't. It is a desecration of our sacred day. I need to do the children's presents, go for family lunch and walk, but I can't understand how the violence could be ramped up on Christmas Eve and continue throughout the day. It is such disrespect for religious belief and so inhumane. All that is left is prayer, more prayer and try to spread a little kindness where you are.

@Parkingt111 So pleased to hear that the Jordanian RF was able to provide food and water for the people sheltering at Holy Cross church

Not reported anywhere else so hopefully fake news.

Merry Christmas to all those celebrating ❤️
May the new year bring peace and prosperity to all, especially to all those suffering around the world

Thank heavens for that!

Merry Christmas @istoodonlegoagain
as horrible as it is to see the nativity displayed like that I’m actually glad. It gives me hope that at least the world understands what’s going on and regular people are speaking up, even as our leaders do nothing.

Has anyone seen/got more info on this? Apparently a 600 year old monastery in south Lebanon bombed by Israel on Christmas eve. I couldn’t find any reporting of it in the international media - just a couple of articles in the regional press.

https://dohanews.co/israel-attacks-600-year-old-monastery-in-south-lebanon-a-day-before-christmas-eve/

https://www.instagram.com/p/C1N8OR9rezF/?igsh=Z2NsOTg4MHl2OWFm

From Layla Morans twitter

Both churches recieved food and water on Christmas eve through the efforts of King Abdullah of Jordan

Merry Christmas from Portugal. This is very much the feeling here, saw this yesterday whilst out on a walk. So sad and shocking to see the nativity portrayed this way but it is so true 😢

Yes overnight the Maghazi refugee camp.
There are still people including children stuck under the rubbleand dozens dead
The Al-Burij refugee camp was also bombed

I see Israel just killed 70 people at a refugee camp (number of dead still rising)
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-67817939

Christmas in Bethlehem this year. Many have lost loved ones and are not celebrating this year

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-67815370.amp