Palestinian Territories

Key Facts:

Leader:
President Mahmoud Abbas
Population:
4 million (1% Christian)
Majority Religion:
Islam
Type of Government:
Interim administration

In the West Bank and Gaza, Shariah law is the main source of legislation. The unified government collapsed when militant Islamic movement Hamas took power in the Gaza Strip in June 2007. This instability has led to increased violence against Christians, with militants becoming bolder in harassing believers from a Muslim background. Two were forced to flee to Jordan. Several Christians have been imprisoned, questioned, and beaten. Many of the Christian community have opted to leave.

Prayer

• Pray for those who come to faith from a Muslim background; one believer was detained by his own family because he turned to Christ.
• Christian bookstore manager Rami Ayyad was murdered in October 2007. Remember his widow Pauline (pictured) and her three children.
• Pray for peace and stability in the region.