Gaza Church Shelling: Pastor Steven Khoury on Israeli Response and Christian Community

IDF Strike on Gaza Church

• 💥 An IDF strike resulted in the deaths of three people at Gaza's Holy Family Church, the only Catholic church in the area.
• 💔 Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office issued a statement expressing deep regret, calling the incident a result of "stray ammunition" and stating that "every innocent life lost is a tragedy."

Pastor Khoury's Perspective

• 😥 Palestinian pastor Steven Khoury expressed heartbreak and shared that even Jewish friends were saddened by the event.
• 🕊️ He noted the desire of the Christian community in Gaza for the war to end, with many praying on their knees.
• 📞 Prime Minister Netanyahu reportedly called the Pope regarding the incident, highlighting its significant attention.

Navigating Criticism and Antisemitism

• ⚖️ Pastor Khoury outlines three approaches to events involving Israel: those who defend Israel, those who hate Israel and seek to punish it, and those who seek truth and righteousness.
• 💡 He personally believes Israel would not intentionally hit a church, based on his 30+ years of ministry and dealings with the Israeli government.
• ⚠️ If the strike was intentional, Khoury insists the individual responsible, and those above them, must be held accountable.

Bridging Divides and Christian Faith

• 🤝 Khoury emphasizes that loving Israel does not equate to being anti-Arab, and vice versa, advocating for a biblical approach that calls good good and evil evil.
• 🕊️ He calls on moderate Arabs and religious Jews to rise above hatred and animosity, promoting healing and looking towards the future.
• 🙏 He encourages believers to find strength and hope in the Lord, referencing verses from Jeremiah, Psalms, and Romans.

Addressing Hamas and Extremism

• 🎯 Khoury states that if Hamas terrorists were present near the church, they should be held accountable for using civilian areas like churches as shields.
• 🌍 He believes the true enemy is fanatical extremism within Arab culture, not Arab Muslims or Christians themselves.
• 🤝 Both Israelis and Arabs must coexist, and those on the extreme ends who desire a country without the other should not dictate the narrative.