Palestinian Christians Bury Loved Ones in Muslim Cemeteries Amid Gaza War Chaos
In the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, Palestinian Christians are burying their dead in Muslim cemeteries due to safety concerns and the destruction of Christian graveyards.
Over 33,000 Palestinians, mostly civilians, have been killed in Israeli bombardments since the conflict began six months ago.
With roads being dangerous and Christian graveyards destroyed, Palestinian Christians are having no choice but to bury their loved ones in Muslim cemeteries.
Ihsan al-Natour, a worker at the Tal al-Sultan cemetery, has witnessed this firsthand, as he has seen a Christian being buried in a Muslim grave for the first time in his life.
In the past six months of conflict, Israeli bombings have resulted in over 33,000 Palestinian deaths, mostly civilians.
Many have lost entire families.
Gaza has been severely damaged, with buildings destroyed and hospitals struggling to cope with the casualties.
The situation is further complicated by hunger and the possibility of famine.
Travel along roads is dangerous due to the risk of bombings or shelling.
Residents of northern Gaza, where a Christian cemetery is located, have been unable to return home, resulting in families being unable to properly bury their loved ones.
For instance, a Christian man named Hani Suheil Abu Dawood was buried in Al-Natour cemetery due to the danger of traveling amid the siege.
A man named al-Natour spoke about burying a Christian man in a Muslim cemetery in Gaza, emphasizing that they do not discriminate between religions.
He expressed the importance of protecting all human beings and appreciating humanity.
The conflict between Hamas and Israel erupted on October 7, resulting in over 1,200 deaths according to Israeli officials, and the cemetery is expected to receive more bodies as the death toll continues to rise.