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Gaza's greatest need is safety, said Massad. "When we see people killed—children—regardless of whether they're Muslim or Christian, we grieve," Massad said. He asked Christianity Today readers to pray that both parties' leaders would have wisdom to end the fighting, "to learn to accept one another and work together for the benefit of the citizens. We want there to be stability so there will be (openings) to share God's love with the people."

The tension may help with such openings, Massad said. "When you start talking about Jesus' teaching, loving your enemies, blessing those who curse you, these words sometimes become more meaningful when the situation is very difficult."

Deann Alford is a senior writer for Christianity Today.

Copyright © 2007 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.

Christianity Today's articles on Israel include several on Gaza:

The Middle East's Death Wish—and Ours | We say "everyone wants peace," but we also want to see our enemies destroyed. (David P. Gushee, July 14, 2006)

Christian Zionists Split Over Gaza Pullout | Some remain politically neutral. (Deann Alford, July 2005)

Love in the Land of Enmity | The local joke is that Gaza is hell. But that doesn't seem to deter ministry there. (Deann Alford, July 2005)

Outreach to Despair | Christians minister to the hopeless in Gaza. (Deann Alford, August 1, 2004)

"Was Israel a Mistake?" from Books & Culture considers three views (including former President Carter's) on Israel.

Recent news on the situation in Gaza includes:

Palestinian rivals land in Saudi for unity talks | Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and his Hamas rivals arrived in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday for talks to end faction fighting which an envoy said had created a "catastrophic" situation. (Reuters)

Palestinians Try to Stave Off Civil War | Palestinian factions on the brink of civil war gathered Tuesday in Mecca, Islam's holiest city, in a last-ditch effort to end their bloody conflict. The Saudi-led push is key to any future peace talks with Israel - and to Arab efforts to blunt Iran's growing power. (Associated Press)

Awana bus driver killed in Palestinian fighting in Gaza | A cease fire was called over the weekend in Gaza between Fatah and Hamas militant factions. But, not before 15 people were killed in Palestinian violence. One of those killed was the bus driver for Gaza's Awana Club program.

Gaza Gunmen Ignore Truce, Mediation Bid | Ignoring a truce and Arab mediation offers, Hamas and Fatah fighters exchanged gunfire in upscale beachfront neighborhoods Saturday, and Hamas gunmen threatened to attack high-rise buildings unless residents force rival snipers off their rooftops. (The Associated Press)

Gaza Baptist Church Seized | Palestinian Authority (PA) police of the Fatah party have seized the six-story Gaza Baptist Church building as a watch point against militants supporting the governing Hamas movement. (Journal Chrétien)

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February (Web-only) 2007, Vol. 51