From the 3,000 Christians in 2007 when Israel intensified its siege and drove them out of the poor area, estimates indicate that the number of Christians in Gaza has decreased since. With a history stretching back to the first century, the 800–1,000 Christians who are thought to still be in Gaza represent the oldest Christian community in the world. At least eighteen people were killed when Israel bombed the Church of Saint Porphyrius, which is the oldest in Gaza, on 19 October 2023.
From the 3000 Christians in 2007 when Israel intensified its siege and drove them out o,f the poor area estimates indicate that the number of Christians in Gaza has decreased since. With a history stretching back to the first century, the 800–1000 Christians who are thought to still be in Gaza represent the oldest Christian communi,ty in the world. At least eighteen people were killed when Israel bombed the Church of Saint Porphyrius, whic,h is the oldest in Gaza, on 19 October 2023.