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West Bank & Gaza Strip
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| Total Area: |
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6,220 sq. km
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Population:
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3,881,062 (est. July 2002)
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Ethnicity:
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Palestinian Arab and other 88%, Jewish 12%
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| Language: |
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Arabic, Hebrew, English
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| Religion: |
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Muslim (predominantly Sunni) 82.8%, Jewish 11.6%, Christian and others 5.6%
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| Government Type: |
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In Transition
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| Capital: |
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In Transition
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| Population Below Poverty Line: |
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60% (2002)
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 For years, Christians in Palestine have been frequently caught in the middle of the conflict between Israel and the Islamic elements controlling the Palestinian authority. Rejected by Israel because they are Palestinian, they also face difficulties from the militant Islamic groups active in Palestine. Consequently, many Christians have been leaving Palestine for other areas of the world. According to one report, the number of Christians has dropped from fifteen percent to two percent in the past twenty years.
With the transition of control from Israel to the Palestinian government, there is increasing uncertainty about the role of militant Islamic groups in Palestine.
There have been mixed reports on whether there is systematic persecution of Christians by the Palestinian authorities. However, there are definite cases of harassment and intimidation by militant Islamic groups and some local officials. Along with that, there is serious social pressure against converting to Christianity.
Prayer Requests
- Pray for protection for Christians in Palestine during this unheaval.
- Pray that the Palestinian Authority will fully respect the rights of all people in Palestine.
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