GAZA, Dec. 24 (Xinhua) -- Christians in the Gaza Strip gathered Wednesday for Christmas Mass for the first time in two years, marking a somber return to communal worship following a devastating war that had silenced religious festivities.
The services in Gaza City were devoid of the lights, music, and decorations that traditionally define the holiday. Instead, the atmosphere was one of mourning as worshippers prayed for those killed during the conflict.
For the past two years, the small Christian community was forced to limit religious practice to individual prayers in shelters or damaged churches. Wednesday's return to the pews was made possible by a recent ceasefire agreement and the partial withdrawal of Israeli forces from the city's historic quarters.
"Before the war, we used to pray together, decorate the tree at home, and share sweets," said Edward Antoine, 37, whose mother and sister were killed during the fighting. "This year, I am attending Mass alone, but prayer gives me strength."
Gaza's Christian community, which numbered around 1,000 before the war, suffered significant losses. George Anton, director of operations for the Latin Patriarchate in Gaza, said at least 53 community members were killed, either in direct strikes or due to a lack of medical care while sheltering in church compounds.
The war began on Oct. 7, 2023, after Hamas militants launched an attack on southern Israel. The ensuing Israeli offensive leveled vast swaths of the territory. Several churches, which served as shelters for both Christians and Muslims, were hit by strikes during the hostilities.
While the current ceasefire has brought a relative calm, the sense of insecurity remains.
"We still sometimes hear explosions," said 29-year-old Hilda Ayad. "We are content with prayer today. We try to hold on to life and hope that death in Gaza will end."
The Mass was limited strictly to religious rites. Church officials confirmed there would be no public celebrations or musical festivals this year out of respect for the thousands of Palestinians killed across the territory.
"There can be no real joy while Gaza is destroyed," said Faten al-Salafiti, 67, who lost her husband and son in a strike on a church. "Our losses are part of the suffering of all people here." ■
