The Complex Dynamics of Egypt’s Coptic Christians Amidst the Gaza Conflict
A year after Hamas’s assault on Israel in October 2023, Egypt’s Coptic Orthodox Christians find themselves grappling with conflicting emotions regarding the ongoing war in Gaza. As the largest Christian community in the Middle East, Copts straddle the line between expressing solidarity with Palestinian civilians and harboring deep-seated fears of Hamas, an Islamist group historically linked to violence against Christians.
Despite their significant numbers, Copts and Evangelicals in Egypt face continued sectarian violence, exemplified by a recent fire at the Coptic Diocese of Beni Suef. This incident, though officially attributed to faulty wiring, has left the Christian community wary due to past experiences of church arson attacks.
The shifting stances within the Coptic Church regarding involvement in the Israel-Gaza conflict reflect both generational divides and concerns about potential repercussions on the local Christian population. Copts’ nuanced perspectives on Hamas and political Islam highlight the intricate interplay of geopolitics, theology, and security within Egypt’s Christian community.
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