Changes

"When its footprint is overlaid onto [[New York City]], it covers an area roughly the size of [[Manhattan]], the [[Bronx]] and [[Hoboken]], [[New Jersey]], combined."<ref>https://www.newsweek.com/gaza-strip-size-us-cities-maps-1833863</ref>

"When its footprint is overlaid onto [[New York City]], it covers an area roughly the size of [[Manhattan]], the [[Bronx]] and [[Hoboken]], [[New Jersey]], combined."<ref>https://www.newsweek.com/gaza-strip-size-us-cities-maps-1833863</ref>

The Gaza Strip is one of two predominantly Palestinian territories, the other being the [[West Bank]], which have been controlled by [[Israel]] as a result of the [[Six-Day War]] in 1967 until the [[Oslo Accords]] of 1993-95.  In 2005 Israel took out all the remaining soldiers on the strip, but after the start of the [[Oct 7 War]] who controls Gaza today is disputed, as Hamas still has control over it.

The Gaza Strip is one of two predominantly Palestinian territories, the other being the [[West Bank]], which have been controlled by [[Israel]] as a result of the [[Six-Day War]] in 1967 until the [[Oslo Accords]] of 1993–95.  In 2005 Israel took out all the remaining soldiers on the strip, but after the start of the [[Oct 7 War]] who controls Gaza today is disputed, as Hamas still has control over it.

==History==

==History==

==Christians in Gaza Strip==

==Christians in Gaza Strip==

{{Main article|Palestinian Authority#Christian minority}}

{{Main article|Palestinian Authority#Christian minority}}

[[File:Orthodox Christians in Gaza Strip.jpg|thumbnail|[[Greek Orthodox|Greek Orthodox]] [[Christians]] in the Gaza Strip.]]

[[File:Orthodox Christians in Gaza Strip.jpg|thumbnail|[[Greek Orthodox]] [[Christians]] in the Gaza Strip.]]

[[File:Catholic Church in Gaza.jpg|thumbnail|Maronite Catholic Church in [[Gaza City|Gaza]] which has direct line with the [[Pope]].]]

[[File:Catholic Church in Gaza.jpg|thumbnail|Maronite Catholic Church in [[Gaza City|Gaza]] which has direct line with the [[Pope]].]]

The Arab Palestinians are roughly 94% Muslim. 89% of Christians in Gaza are [[Greek Orthodox]] while 9.3% are [[Roman Catholic Church|Catholic]] and 1.52% belongs to other denominations.<ref name=GreekReporter>{{cite web|url=https://greekreporter.com/2014/08/11/struggling-christian-minority-in-gaza/|title=Struggling Christian Minority In Gaza|date=August 11, 2014|publisher=Greek Reporter}}</ref> [[Pope Francis]] affirmed in 2024 that he calls the "church in Gaza every day".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20240523-pope-francis-i-call-the-church-in-gaza-every-day/|title=Pope Francis: ‘I call the church in Gaza every day’|date=May 23, 2024|publisher=Middle East Monitor}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.foxnews.com/world/pope-francis-contacts-only-catholic-church-gaza-carnage-continues|title=Pope Francis contacts only Catholic Church in Gaza as carnage continues|date=October 10, 2023|publisher=Fox News}}</ref>

The Arab Palestinians are roughly 94% Muslim. 89% of Christians in Gaza are [[Greek Orthodox]] while 9.3% are [[Roman Catholic Church|Catholic]] and 1.52% belongs to other denominations.<ref name=GreekReporter>{{cite web|url=https://greekreporter.com/2014/08/11/struggling-christian-minority-in-gaza/|title=Struggling Christian Minority In Gaza|date=August 11, 2014|publisher=Greek Reporter}}</ref> [[Pope Francis]] affirmed in 2024 that he calls the "church in Gaza every day".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20240523-pope-francis-i-call-the-church-in-gaza-every-day/|title=Pope Francis: 'I call the church in Gaza every day'|date=May 23, 2024|publisher=Middle East Monitor}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.foxnews.com/world/pope-francis-contacts-only-catholic-church-gaza-carnage-continues|title=Pope Francis contacts only Catholic Church in Gaza as carnage continues|date=October 10, 2023|publisher=Fox News}}</ref>

The Gaza Strip is currently under the control of [[Hamas]], an Islamic terrorist organization. Christians face persecution and pressure to convert and have next to no rights<ref>http://www.opendoorsuk.org/persecution/worldwatch/palestinian_territories.php</ref> however they have managed to coexist with/under Muslims as they share the struggle. When [[Mar Mari Emmanuel]] visited the Gaza Strip (years before 2023) he got along with the people there, even with Muslims.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ADINB5AJYLM I WENT TO GAZA STRIP AND THIS IS WHAT I FOUND - theChristianCommunity]</ref>  Some work in Israel as thousands flock to enter Israel for work.<ref>''Al-Monitor''. "Thousands of Gazans flock to get work permits in Israel." Oct 8, 2021. [https://archive.md/PLAZd/485a0bdae2911a8e4bb6c1ef05b3b7c07d2bd9e6.jpg]<blockquote><small>Thousands of unemployed Gazans are flocking to the offices of the Chambers of Commerce to submit their papers to obtain a permit to work inside Israel, following reports that Israel has agreed to grant 2,600 commercial permits to Gaza residents. </small></blockquote>

The Gaza Strip is currently under the control of [[Hamas]], an Islamic terrorist organization. Christians face persecution and pressure to convert and have next to no rights<ref>http://www.opendoorsuk.org/persecution/worldwatch/palestinian_territories.php</ref> however they have managed to coexist with/under Muslims as they share the struggle. When [[Mar Mari Emmanuel]] visited the Gaza Strip (years before 2023) he got along with the people there, even with Muslims.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ADINB5AJYLM I WENT TO GAZA STRIP AND THIS IS WHAT I FOUND - theChristianCommunity]</ref>  Some work in Israel as thousands flock to enter Israel for work.<ref>''Al-Monitor''. "Thousands of Gazans flock to get work permits in Israel." Oct 8, 2021. [https://archive.md/PLAZd/485a0bdae2911a8e4bb6c1ef05b3b7c07d2bd9e6.jpg]<blockquote><small>Thousands of unemployed Gazans are flocking to the offices of the Chambers of Commerce to submit their papers to obtain a permit to work inside Israel, following reports that Israel has agreed to grant 2,600 commercial permits to Gaza residents. </small></blockquote>

A study by the Pew Research Center found that the decline in the Arab Christian population was both a result of a lower birth rate among Christians compared to Muslims and the fact that Christians were more likely to emigrate than any other religious group. A statistical analysis of the Christian exodus cited a lack of economic and educational opportunities among a community known for its middle-class status and higher education.</blockquote/></ref>

A study by the Pew Research Center found that the decline in the Arab Christian population was both a result of a lower birth rate among Christians compared to Muslims and the fact that Christians were more likely to emigrate than any other religious group. A statistical analysis of the Christian exodus cited a lack of economic and educational opportunities among a community known for its middle-class status and higher education.</blockquote/></ref>

Since the 2007 Israel blockade of Gaza, Christians have not being able to visit Holy Sites in Jerusalem and Bethlehem, having the same struggle as other Gaza inhabitants. This has led many to hold extreme positions "which does not differentiate between race and religion", warns a report from the Young Men’s Christian Association.<ref name=GreekReporter/>

Since the 2007 Israel blockade of Gaza, Christians have not being able to visit Holy Sites in Jerusalem and Bethlehem, having the same struggle as other Gaza inhabitants. This has led many to hold extreme positions "which does not differentiate between race and religion", warns a report from the Young Men's Christian Association.<ref name=GreekReporter/>

Palestinian Christians in Gaza fear for the future of their tiny community.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.foxnews.com/world/gaza-christians-fear-for-future-of-tiny-community|title=Gaza Christians fear for future of tiny community|date=July 25, 2012|publisher=Fox News}}</ref> This sentiment of fear of disappearing grew after the Israel-Gaza War that started in 2023.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2023-10/interview-with-custos-of-the-holy-land-fr-francesco-patton-ofm.html|title=Holy Land Custos: Fear is growing that Gaza's Christians will disappear|date=October 10, 2023|publisher=Vatican News}}</ref>

Palestinian Christians in Gaza fear for the future of their tiny community.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.foxnews.com/world/gaza-christians-fear-for-future-of-tiny-community|title=Gaza Christians fear for future of tiny community|date=July 25, 2012|publisher=Fox News}}</ref> This sentiment of fear of disappearing grew after the Israel-Gaza War that started in 2023.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2023-10/interview-with-custos-of-the-holy-land-fr-francesco-patton-ofm.html|title=Holy Land Custos: Fear is growing that Gaza's Christians will disappear|date=October 10, 2023|publisher=Vatican News}}</ref>

== Hostilities in late 2008-present ==

== Hostilities in late 2008-present ==

Terrorists are still attacking Israel from the Gaza strip with missiles.  In response to this, Israel is bombarding the strip in order to prevent more threats to its population on the border. On January 3, 2009 Israel has started a ground campaign in Gaza. It was preceded by an artillery barrage to soften the border so Israeli troops could cross safer. The campaign was against Hamas targets and Israel never had any plans to reoccupy the land. Hamas, rather than stop firing rockets into Gaza has begun sabre rattling and stated that they will kidnap and kill invading Israeli soldiers and cause mental illness from the horrors they will bring them. They have also stated that they will begin suicide attacks again.[https://www.onenewsnow.com/Headlines/Default.aspx?id=372854]

Terrorists are still attacking Israel from the Gaza strip with missiles.  In response to this, Israel is bombarding the strip in order to prevent more threats to its population on the border. On January 3, 2009, Israel has started a ground campaign in Gaza. It was preceded by an artillery barrage to soften the border so Israeli troops could cross safer. The campaign was against Hamas targets and Israel never had any plans to reoccupy the land. Hamas, rather than stop firing rockets into Gaza has begun sabre rattling and stated that they will kidnap and kill invading Israeli soldiers and cause mental illness from the horrors they will bring them. They have also stated that they will begin suicide attacks again.[https://www.onenewsnow.com/Headlines/Default.aspx?id=372854]

==Today==

==Today==

A very poor and desolate area, the residents of the area live in poverty and squalor due to the control of their daily lives by Hamas and blockades enforced by Israel and Egypt.  The Strip is not self-sufficient and counts on outside aid, but Hamas takes most foreign aid for itself to manufacture more bombs and rockets.  There is continued friction with Israel with home made rockets being fired by the Gaza residents and occasional open fighting.  Hamas does not recognize Israel's right to exist. The Strip has been the source of many suicide missions against Israel as well Kasam rocket fire against the settlements and towns of southern Israel.  

A very poor and desolate area, the residents of the area live in poverty and squalor due to the control of their daily lives by Hamas and blockades enforced by Israel and Egypt.  The Strip is not self-sufficient and counts on outside aid, but Hamas takes most foreign aid for itself to manufacture more bombs and rockets.  There is continued friction with Israel with home made rockets being fired by the Gaza residents and occasional open fighting.  Hamas does not recognize Israel's right to exist. The Strip has been the source of many suicide missions against Israel as well Kasam rocket fire against the settlements and towns of southern Israel.  

Israel controls the Gaza strip’s airspace and offshore maritime access, in order to prevent more materials being given to Hamas terrorists.

Israel controls the Gaza strip's airspace and offshore maritime access, in order to prevent more materials being given to Hamas terrorists.

==Blacks==

==Blacks==

They have to work twice as hard to prove himself.

They have to work twice as hard to prove himself.

Many black Palestinians are not considered for jobs that require direct communication or interaction with customers..<ref name=gn2017/>

Many black Palestinians are not considered for jobs that require direct communication or interaction with customers.<ref name=gn2017/>

Majority of Palestinians do not marry black Palestinians, although recently there have been some changes in mentality..<ref name=gn2017/>

Majority of Palestinians do not marry black Palestinians, although recently there have been some changes in mentality.<ref name=gn2017/>

In some areas, it is strictly forbidden for Arab Palestinians to marry black Palestinians, but in other areas..<ref name=gn2017/>

In some areas, it is strictly forbidden for Arab Palestinians to marry black Palestinians, but in other areas.<ref name=gn2017/>

The situation is worse for black Palestinian women — while dark-skinned men may be able to marry light-skinned Palestinians, the reverse is mostly not accepted..<ref name=gn2017/>

The situation is worse for black Palestinian women — while dark-skinned men may be able to marry light-skinned Palestinians, the reverse is mostly not accepted.<ref name=gn2017/>

Some mixed races couples are threatened by family of the Arab side to renounce him in the newspapers..<ref name=gn2017/>  

Some mixed races couples are threatened by family of the Arab side to renounce him in the newspapers.<ref name=gn2017/>  

Sometimes the racism is expressed nonverbally through looks.

Sometimes the racism is expressed nonverbally through looks.

Some tell of discriminatory experiences growing up.  

Some tell of discriminatory experiences growing up.  

Racist taunts toward Gaza’s African minority are not uncommon, despite centurieslong African migration to Palestine.<ref name=almonitor2013>Asmaa al-Ghoul, "[https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2013/11/black-palestinians-suffer-racism.html Black Palestinians shrug off racism], Al Monitor, November 4, 2013.

Racist taunts toward Gaza's African minority are not uncommon, despite centurieslong African migration to Palestine.<ref name=almonitor2013>Asmaa al-Ghoul, "[https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2013/11/black-palestinians-suffer-racism.html Black Palestinians shrug off racism], Al Monitor, November 4, 2013.

<blockquote>

<blockquote>

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — “Hey, chocolate,” “Hey, cappuccino,” “Hey, Galaxy [brand of chocolate],” “Hey, brown one” and “Hey, black one,” are jocular expressions used by some in Gaza when a man, woman or child of African descent passes by. Sometimes the racism is expressed nonverbally through looks. Gazans, however, seem unaware of this racism.

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — “Hey, chocolate,” “Hey, cappuccino,” “Hey, Galaxy [brand of chocolate],” “Hey, brown one” and “Hey, black one,” are jocular expressions used by some in Gaza when a man, woman or child of African descent passes by. Sometimes the racism is expressed nonverbally through looks. Gazans, however, seem unaware of this racism.

See related:  

See related:  

*[[Israel_Apartheid_slur#Current_racist_Arab-Palestine_and_in_the_region|Current racist Arab-Palestine]]

*[[Israel Apartheid slur#Current racist Arab-Palestine and in the region|Current racist Arab-Palestine]]

==Bigotry==

==Bigotry==

* Survey conducted in 2023, between Oct 31 & Nov 7, showed 'three in four Palestinians support' Hamas’s led Oct 7  massacre. [Interesting part was that in Gaza - affected by consequences -  the support was less than in West Bank].<ref>Akiva Van Koningsveld, [https://www.jns.org/three-in-four-palestinians-support-hamass-massacre/ Three in four Palestinians support Hamas’s massacre], ''JNS'', November 17, 2023.

* Survey conducted in 2023, between Oct 31 & Nov 7, showed 'three in four Palestinians support' Hamas's led Oct 7  massacre. [Interesting part was that in Gaza - affected by consequences -  the support was less than in West Bank].<ref>Akiva Van Koningsveld, [https://www.jns.org/three-in-four-palestinians-support-hamass-massacre/ Three in four Palestinians support Hamas’s massacre], ''JNS'', November 17, 2023.

<blockquote>

<blockquote>

Ninety-eight percent of respondents said the Oct. 7 slaughter made them feel "prouder of their identity as Palestinians."

Ninety-eight percent of respondents said the Oct. 7 slaughter made them feel "prouder of their identity as Palestinians."

Crowd: "Salutations from Gaza!"</blockquote></ref>

Crowd: "Salutations from Gaza!"</blockquote></ref>

Kuwaiti Journalist:<ref>MEMRIReports Tweeted ([https://twitter.com/MEMRIReports/status/1488782125998424064 Feb 2, 2022]):<br><i>Kuwaiti Journalist Abdallah Muhammad Al-Mulla: The Palestinians Supported Saddam's Invasion of Kuwait, Hitler in WWII – Now They Support the Houthis, IRGC; Arabs Today Are Less Inclined to Support the Palestinians Cause.</i></ref><blockquote>The Palestinians Supported Saddam's Invasion of Kuwait, Hitler in WWII – Now They Support the Houthis, IRGC; Arabs Today Are Less Inclined to Support the Palestinians Cause</blockquote>

Kuwaiti Journalist:<ref>MEMRIReports Tweeted ([https://twitter.com/MEMRIReports/status/1488782125998424064 Feb 2, 2022]):<br>''Kuwaiti Journalist Abdallah Muhammad Al-Mulla: The Palestinians Supported Saddam's Invasion of Kuwait, Hitler in WWII – Now They Support the Houthis, IRGC; Arabs Today Are Less Inclined to Support the Palestinians Cause.''</ref><blockquote>The Palestinians Supported Saddam's Invasion of Kuwait, Hitler in WWII – Now They Support the Houthis, IRGC; Arabs Today Are Less Inclined to Support the Palestinians Cause</blockquote>

==See also==

==See also==