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Do Gaza’s Christians Feel Safe?

Following Hamas’ rise to power in the Gaza Strip in 2006 and subsequent “Islamizing” campaigns, the region’s Christians have faced increasing animosity and often felt targeted, writes Asmaa al-Ghoul.
A Greek Orthodox priest attends Christmas services at the Saint Porfirios church in Gaza City January 7, 2012. REUTERS/Mohammed Salem (GAZA - Tags: RELIGION) - RTR2VZBO

The smell of fresh white paint lingers in the air, and the glimmer of the small gate catches the eye. The Catholic-affiliated School of the Holy Family has tried hard to hide the traces of black left by burning tires. Inside, Al-Monitor’s reporter waits for an interview in the office of Father Jorge Hernandez, the school's headmaster, but he declines to speak to the press.

This is what typically happens when talk concerns Christians in the Gaza Strip. It is a delicate subject that no one wishes to address, especially after incidents like the one on April 13, when at dawn a small group of youths burned tires in front of the school’s gate, smashed cameras and broke windows.

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