Pope Decries Gaza Conditions, Netanyahu Decries Lack of Christian Support in Gaza
Meanwhile, the Israeli government, particularly Prime Minister Netanyahu, has, on numerous occasions, publicly appealed to Christian communities globally, emphasizing Israel's role as a protector of Christians in the Middle East. For instance, in a 2017 address to the Christians United for Israel (CUFI) summit, Netanyahu declared Israel the 'only country in the Middle East where Christians are
safe and thriving.' This consistent messaging appears to conveniently sidestep Gaza's dwindling Christian population—estimated at fewer than 1,000, down from 3,000 in 2007 (source: Al Jazeera, 2023)—who share the same 'war-torn' conditions as their Muslim neighbors. One might wonder if the conditions that prompted the Pope's lament are universally applied to all Gazans, or if Christian suffering
becomes a more palatable talking point when it doesn't challenge the 'sole regional protector' narrative of the Israeli government. The Pope raises questions about conditions; Israeli officials raise questions about Christian loyalty elsewhere. Priorities, it appears, are a matter of geography—or perhaps, political convenience.