An extensive study highlights a concerning exodus and decline of the Christian population across Palestinian territories governed by Hamas and the Palestinian Authority. This demographic shift poses a significant threat to the historical and cultural fabric of Christianity's birthplace.

A recent report indicates a dramatic decrease in the Christian populace in regions under Palestinian Authority and Hamas rule, attributing the decline to discrimination, violence, and economic difficulties, The Christian Post reported.

Historical Roots Of Christianity In Palestine

The study reveals that Christians, who made up 11% of the population in geographical Palestine in 1922, now constitute just 1% in 2024. This drastic decrease underscores the dire situation facing Christianity in the region where it was historically rooted.

In Gaza, the number has plummeted from 5,000 Christians before 2007 to only 1,000 by October 2023. This sharp decline followed Hamas' establishment of control, which intensified the adversities faced by the Christian community.

Beyond the numbers, the fabric of these communities has been transformed. Bethlehem, a city with a once-majority Christian population of 86% in 1950, has seen its Christian demographic dwindle to about 10% by 2017.

Socio-Economic Hardships And Discrimination

Various factors contribute to the departure of Christians from these areas. In Bethlehem, systemic downturns are directly attributed to socio-economic hardships, instability, and harassment, not only by Muslim Palestinians but also by the Islam-dominated Palestinian Authority.

Discrimination plays a significant role, especially in employment and legal systems within the Palestinian territories. This systemic bias against Christians creates an environment of insecurity and deprivation.

The report details how Christians in both the West Bank and Gaza frequently face harassment for practicing their faith, including distressing incidents like church desecration.

Christian Converts And Persecution

Adding to the religious discrimination, those who convert from Islam to Christianity encounter extreme pressure and threats. Particularly in Gaza, converts face significant dangers, as underscored by the researchers' findings.

Such harsh realities have led to a stark contrast in desires to emigrate. The study notes that in 2022, the inclination to leave Gaza among Christians was twice as high as that of their Muslim peers.

A telling example of the dire situation is the lack of protection Christians feel. One Protestant clergy member voiced concerns regarding the PA police’s reluctance to intervene on behalf of Christians during confrontations with Muslims.

International Response And Oversight

The global community's response to the plight of Palestinian Christians is notably insufficient. The report authors, Lt. Col. (res.) Maurice Hirsch and attorney Tirza Shorr, criticized the lack of attention to this issue, pointing out that "the international community often disregards the plight of the Palestinian Christian community."

Moreover, they highlighted the skewed portrayal of events in the media, stating, "Often, Christian individuals are afraid to report hate incidents in the PA for fear of being arrested or worse. This creates a skewed picture, one eagerly adopted by Western governments and media outlets."

This lack of adequate reporting and the emphasis on other regional conflicts leave many incidents of oppression and discrimination against Christians underreported and sometimes ignored.

The Fight For Survival And Awareness

The unsettling decline in the Christian population brings about a precarious situation for the survival of Christianity in its birthplace. "The mass exodus of the Christians risks undermining the survival of Christianity in its birthplace," the researchers emphatically concluded in their report.

Their study advocates for heightened awareness and action to safeguard what remains of this historically significant community. "Silence strengthens the perpetrators and leaves the victims without international support," they argued, urging for a united and informed response.

The fate of Christianity in its cradle thus hinges not only on local governance but significantly on international awareness and intervention. The continuation of these trends could lead to the erasure of a vibrant part of this region's historical and cultural identity. The call to action is clear: the situation demands attention, representation, and correction at various levels of governance and by the global community.