Should Christians take sides when praying for Israel and Gaza?

It’s easy to say ‘we should pray’. But in analysing prayers and statements from churches across the globe, Tim Wyatt uncovers some very different approaches to the conflict  

The news from the Holy Land has been almost unbearable in recent days. Ever since the massive attack by Hamas on Israel was launched, Christians around the world have been sickened, shocked, and depressed by the horrific stories emerging. Babies murdered in their bedrooms. Gunmen going from door to door shooting everyone they find. Terrorists ambushing youngsters enjoying a music festival and killing hundreds. Rockets raining down on towns with only seconds’ warning. Hostages aged eight to 80 dragged from their homes at gunpoint. Apartment blocks razed by missile strikes. Hospitals overwhelmed by the dead and injured, and fast running out of fuel and supplies. Millions cut off from water and electricity.

The dead in both Israel and Gaza already number more than 4,000. In the face of such suffering