Following fresh outbreaks of conflict between Hamas and Fatah, and new attacks from the Israeli army, the Barnabus Fund is warning that the small Christian minority in Gaza are feeling "very vulnerable".

It is estimated that only around 3,000 Christians live in Gaza, which has a total population of about 1.5 million, and while Christians are not the direct target of any attacks, they are still caught up in the conflict between other groups. A recent Israeli attack destroyed a Christian home but thankfully no one was injured.

"Like most of the other ordinary citizens of Gaza, the Christians are afraid to leave their homes," said the Barnabus Fund. It warned that most Christians are already very poor with many unemployed, and that their needs are growing as they are unable to get to shops for their food.

"They depend on the church for support, as it is unlikely that Islamic charities will assist them," reported the charity, which is appealing for donors to support its ongoing work in Gaza. "But the church needs help from outside to meet their needs," it said.

Barnabas Fund is sending assistance through church leaders in Gaza to ensure that the Christian minority in the Holy Land will be fed and cared for.

Dr Patrick Sookhdeo, International Director of Barnabas Fund, commented: "Our brothers and sisters are caught in the middle of this conflict, innocently suffering and vulnerable to the violence around them. Their plight is desperate.

"They are looking to their church for support, but the church can only help if the wider church family around the world is also willing to help."