Analysts are split on whether Hezbollah will actively join the conflict with Israel, with some citing the group's significant arsenal and others pointing to the risks for Lebanon. Hezbollah's leader Hassan Nasrallah is expected to speak, which has raised tensions. Lebanon's foreign minister and various analysts suggest that Hezbollah and Lebanon are not seeking war, but contingency planning is underway. The group is currently engaging in limited border skirmishes with the Israel Defense Forces, possibly as a distraction. The possibility of a full-scale war involving Hezbollah is deemed unlikely by some experts, considering the regional stakes and the presence of U.S. naval forces in the Mediterranean.

Iraq's Chaldean Catholics are canceling Easter celebrations in solidarity with Cardinal Louis Sako after his title of Patriarch was revoked by President Abdul Latif Rashid, influenced by Iran-backed militia leader Rayan al-Kildani. The U.S. Treasury Department sanctioned al-Kildani for human rights abuses. Nadine Maenza of the International Religious Freedom Secretariat expressed concern over the growing Iranian influence in Iraq and its impact on Christians. Cardinal Sako, who facilitated Pope Francis's visit in 2021, is advocating for equal rights for minorities and hopes the upcoming visit of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani to Washington will benefit Christians. The Christian population in Iraq has decreased significantly from 1.5 million before the U.S.-led invasion to about 150,000, as reported by the U.S. State Department.

Iran has leveraged the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza to strengthen its influence in the Middle East by supporting proxy militias, according to analysts. The war has complicated relations for Arab nations that normalized ties with Israel through the Abraham Accords. Iran's regional interventions, often through proxies like Hezbollah, have been linked to widespread destruction and societal distress. Critics argue that Iran's influence has been detrimental, citing conflicts in Syria, Yemen, and Lebanon. The U.S. is encouraged to confront Iran directly to address the broader strategic challenge rather than focusing solely on its proxies. Tensions suggest a potential direct conflict between Iran and the U.S. as hostilities continue.

Yemen's Houthi rebels have been targeting ships in the Red Sea, potentially with aims beyond supporting Palestinians against Israel. Their actions have been seen as a strategy to assert regional support for Palestinian resistance and to solidify their political authority in Yemen. Analysts suggest the Houthis are also trying to divert attention from domestic responsibilities. U.S. Special Envoy for Yemen Tim Lenderking criticized the attacks for harming Palestinians rather than helping. Despite U.S. and British military responses, the Houthis show no signs of retreat, and there are concerns about the conflict expanding, with Saudi Arabia being particularly nervous about potential Houthi military actions.

The United Nations World Food Program has decided to end its main assistance program in Syria, leaving over 12 million people without regular access to food. This decision, attributed to a funding crisis exacerbated by global conflicts and the COVID-19 pandemic, has been met with criticism from religious and humanitarian leaders. Archbishop Jacques Mourad and Andrea Avveduto of Pro Terra Sancta highlight the dire situation, emphasizing the increasing desperation among Syrians and the challenges faced by aid organizations due to international sanctions. The ongoing conflict, recent earthquakes, and regional instability further complicate efforts to provide relief.

Christian communities in the Middle East, particularly in the Gaza Strip, are experiencing a somber yet hopeful Christmas amidst ongoing Israeli military bombardment. Father Rifat Bader of the Catholic Center for Studies and Media in Amman reports on the dire conditions faced by the 700 people sheltering in the Holy Family Church in Gaza City, including a lack of medical services. The recent conflict between Israel and Hamas has resulted in over 21,000 Palestinian casualties, according to Gaza's Ministry of Health. Despite the violence, Christians are finding ways to express their faith and unity, as demonstrated by a visit from the Holy Family Church to the Greek Orthodox St. Porphyrius Church on Christmas Day. Jordan has provided humanitarian aid, and religious figures like Cardinal Konrad Krajewski emphasize the need for humility and prayer for peace in the region.

Amid the ongoing bombardment of Gaza by the Israeli military, Christian clergymen in the Middle East decry attacks on their dwindling community. Despite the war, Christians in Gaza celebrated Christmas, finding hope in their faith. Father Rifat Bader highlighted the resilience of the community, while Father Yousef Assad provided spiritual support to the injured. The conflict has resulted in significant casualties and humanitarian crises, with Jordan providing aid. Attacks on Christian landmarks by Israeli forces and Hezbollah have been condemned. Cardinal Konrad Krajewski emphasized the need for humility and prayer for peace.

Christian clergymen in the Middle East express sadness but hope as they celebrate Christmas amid the ongoing bombardment of Gaza by the Israeli military. Despite the dire conditions, the Holy Family Church in Gaza continues to provide shelter and spiritual support to hundreds of people. Jordan's King Abdullah II and the Jordanian army have provided humanitarian aid, while religious leaders decry attacks on Christian landmarks. The article highlights the resilience and faith of the Christian community in Gaza and calls for peace and humility.

Christian clergymen in the Middle East express sadness and hope amid the ongoing Gaza bombardment by the Israeli military during the Christmas season. Father Rifat Bader highlights the resilience of the Christian community in Gaza, despite injuries and lack of medical services. The article details the humanitarian efforts by Jordan and the challenges faced by Christians in the region, including attacks on religious landmarks. Cardinal Konrad Krajewski underscores the need for humility and prayer to achieve peace. The conflict has resulted in significant casualties and worsened humanitarian conditions.