As a Palestinian-American leading a ministry in the Middle East, I frequently encounter misconceptions about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In evangelical circles, it’s common to frame this enduring struggle as a spiritual conflict, thereby overshadowing its fundamentally human and political nature. This perspective oversimplifies the complex issues at hand and hinders our progress toward achieving peace.
In line with this, as Christians, the Bible instructs us to do good to all people, especially to those of the household of faith, as outlined in Galatians 6:10. This directive includes not only Jewish believers but also the rights and well-being of indigenous Palestinian Christians who have lived in the Holy Land for centuries. Our hope as followers of Christ is to live peacefully alongside our Jewish and Muslim neighbors. However, this mission is often compromised when romanticized eschatology and misguided theology overshadow the fundamental principles of justice and love for our neighbors.
Growing up in the West Bank, I endured many hardships as a Palestinian Christian. My mother was shot in front of our house by an Israeli soldier as she tried to lead us to safety. My childhood friend, Salam Musleh, was only 14 when he was fatally shot by an Israeli settler inside his home. Despite these severe hostilities, my family and I have committed to following Christ’s example by forgiving those who inflict pain upon us.
The challenges we faced in the West Bank pale in comparison to the current dire situation for Christians in Gaza. While the mass killing of Palestinian civilians is recognized globally, the plight of Palestinian Christians is often overlooked. Within the small community in Gaza, 33 Christians have lost their lives due to Israeli airstrikes, sniper fire, and a critical lack of essential supplies during the war. The Gaza Baptist Church, where my wife and her family served and worshiped, has been bombed and burned. Consequently, the remaining Christians are grappling with severe shortages of food, medical care, and basic sanitation, exacerbating their struggle for survival.
Highlighting the Palestinian sufferings does not diminish the Israeli suffering or the tragic loss of innocent lives on October 7. Both Palestinian and Israeli lives are precious in God’s eyes and deserve honor and dignity. Ultimately, Christ’s sacrifice was for the redemption of all, because in Him there is neither Jew nor Gentile—all are one in Christ and heirs to God’s promises, as stated in Galatians 3:28-29.
Many of my Muslim friends have observed that some evangelical leaders utilize biblical texts to justify unyielding support for the modern state of Israel. This conflation of scripture with political backing often leads to confusion about Western attitudes toward them and, more broadly, the Arab world. Moreover, this stance poses significant challenges for Christian Palestinians in particular. Although it aims to show solidarity with the Jewish people or to align with speculative end-times prophecies, it inadvertently backs a secular state whose policies enforce strict military rule and restrict the rights of Christian families like mine, along with millions of innocent Palestinians who aspire to live peacefully alongside Israel.
Regardless of our theological disagreements, it is essential that our theological and political alignments do not obscure the injustices encountered by Christians, Muslims, and Jews living under oppression. Genuine pursuit of peace and reconciliation demands that we carefully evaluate the implications of our theological positions. In the face of such complexities, embodying a Christlike attitude of approach involves extending compassion, striving for peace, and actively pursuing reconciliation. This stance not only reflects our core Christian values but also lays the groundwork for enduring solutions in the Holy Land.
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict, deeply rooted in a historical struggle over land and national identity, is intensified by the accumulated grievances of all parties, both past and present. It encompasses intricate issues related to rights, borders, freedom, and security, impacting millions. To describe this conflict merely as spiritual warfare is to ignore critical issues and to impede the essential steps toward peace. Such a simplification risks portraying one side as righteous or divinely favored and the other as morally flawed or against God’s plan.
For Christians in Palestine, the conflict is more than an abstract theological debate; it is a daily reality marked by fear and loss. These experiences have taught me that peace is best pursued through understanding, dialogue, and mutual respect for human rights, rather than being seen as a spiritual conquest. Meanwhile, our mission remains focused on fulfilling the Great Commission and adhering to the divine directive of peacemaking (Matthew 5:9). It’s encapsulated in emulating Christ and spreading the Gospel’s message of hope to everyone.
The path to peace in the Holy Land does not lie in entangling ourselves in an endless theological bubble, but rather in adopting practical, Christ-centered approaches. As followers of Christ, we should lead by example, demonstrating a commitment to peace that is both firmly rooted in reality and shaped by our deep faith in the biblical principles of justice and reconciliation.
Dr. Fares Abraham is the founder and CEO of Levant Ministries. Follow him on X and Instagram: @faresabraham
