The Christian population in the Gaza Strip was around 5,000 in 2005 when Israel unilaterally withdrew from the Strip and declined to 1,000 before the war in Gaza began.
St. Porphyrius is one of the oldest churches in the world, located in Gaza. It suffered a direct hit by an Israeli missile on October 19, killing 18 people and injuring many others.
Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas in Europe and beyond euronews.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from euronews.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has offered greetings to Orthodox Christians and all Russians on Christmas as celebrated according to the Julian calendar on Jan. 7.
President Herzog tells Christian leaders Hamas attack was against Christianity bignewsnetwork.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from bignewsnetwork.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.