What is established
An ancient church
Christians have lived in the land continuously since the first century (Acts 2). Today's communities are mainly Greek Orthodox, Catholic (Latin and Melkite), Armenian, Lutheran, Anglican, Baptist and other evangelical churches.
Numbers and decline
An estimated 45,000–50,000 Christians live in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, and before the 2023 war around 1,000 lived in Gaza. Their share of the population has fallen sharply through emigration. Separately, around 180,000 Christians — mostly Arab — are citizens of Israel.
Pressures
They report economic hardship, movement restrictions, conflict violence, land disputes, occasional harassment by Israeli extremists, and pressure from Islamist groups. Churches and schools in Gaza were damaged during the war.
Where people differ
- Many Palestinian church leaders stress occupation as the main cause of emigration; some Israeli and Christian voices point more to Islamist pressure. Both factors are documented.
- Documents such as Kairos Palestine (2009) are warmly received by some churches and criticised by others as one-sided.
Biblical reflection
Palestinian Christians are part of the body of Christ; 'if one member suffers, all suffer together' (1 Corinthians 12:26). Love for Israel and love for these brothers and sisters are not rivals.
Scripture: Acts 2:5–11; 1 Corinthians 12:26; Galatians 3:28
Questions readers ask
How many Palestinian Christians are there?
Roughly 45,000–50,000 in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, a few hundred remaining in Gaza, and many more abroad. Estimates vary.
Can I support Israel and Palestinian Christians?
Yes. Praying and caring for both is consistent with Scripture's call to love the Jewish people and the whole church.
Sources
Related explainers
Judea and Samaria / the West BankMessianic Jews in IsraelThe Israeli-Palestinian conflict: a timelineAll explainers