Israel reverses ban on Gaza Christians visiting West Bank, Jerusalem holy sites for Christmas

Slightly over 1,000 Christians live in Gaza, a tiny fraction of the territory's 2 million people. Most are Greek Orthodox, with Catholics making up about a quarter of the small community.

COGAT, the Israeli defence body responsible for Palestinian civil affairs, said the permits would be issued “in accordance with security assessments and without regard to age.”

COGAT had earlier said that Israel had not yet decided whether to issue the permits en masse and was considering individual permit requests. COGAT said it also was allowing 100 Christians from Gaza to travel abroad.

Wadie Abunassar, an advisor to and spokesman for church leaders in the Palestinian territories, told AFP on Monday that out of 951 applications so far, 192 had been granted.

"We still hope there will be more to come. We were promised by many Israeli bodies... but Christmas begins tomorrow," he said.

"We are saying this is a basic human right that should be respected."

COGAT did not respond to multiple requests for comment regarding the number of permits awarded.

In previous years, Israel has granted travel permits to of Gaza Christians to visit religious sites and spend time with family in Israel and the West Bank.

Hamas considers the Christians a protected minority but large numbers of them have emigrated due to the siege and conflict in the territory.

Worldwide the number of Palestinian Christians is estimated at 400,000, most of whom are descendants of those who fled or were expelled during the establishment of the Israeli state in 1948.

Israel and Egypt have maintained a tight blockade over Gaza since the Hamas takeover. Residents require rarely granted permits to leave the territory.