Christian clergymen in the Middle East are expressing sadness yet hope during Christmas amidst the ongoing Israeli military bombardment of the Gaza Strip. The Holy Family Church in Gaza City, the only Catholic parish in the area, has become a shelter for the injured and displaced, with Father Rifat Bader and Father Yousef Assad providing spiritual and pastoral guidance. The recent Israel-Hamas war has resulted in over 21,000 Palestinian deaths and worsening humanitarian conditions. Jordan has provided aid, and King Abdullah II has lamented the lack of joy and peace. Attacks on Christian landmarks by both Israeli forces and Hezbollah have been reported. Cardinal Konrad Krajewski visited the Holy Land for Christmas and reflected on the need for humility and prayer for peace.

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Catholics are canceling Easter celebrations in solidarity with Cardinal Louis Sako after his title of Patriarch was revoked by President Abdul Latif Rashid, influenced by Iran-backed militia leader Rayan al-Kildani.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.

Pope Francis condemned the serious situation in Gaza and called for peace during his Wednesday general audience, without mentioning the recent deadly attack on a hospital in Gaza. He expressed concern that the conflict could escalate and urged the faithful to pray for peace. The Pope emphasized that war only sows death, destruction, hatred, and revenge, and destroys the future. He announced a day of prayer and penance on October 27, with a gathering in St. Peter's Square, and encouraged all Catholic faithful and those of other religions to join for world peace. Pope Francis also made a phone call to the Catholic parish of the Holy Family in Gaza, which has been assisting people affected by the conflict.

The catastrophic impact of the tropical cyclone Daniel in Libya, which caused dam breaks and thousands of deaths, has been exacerbated by a decade of conflict, political division, and neglect of public infrastructure. Analysts and experts highlight that the storm's devastation is intensified by years of administrative misconduct and poor governance, particularly in the vulnerable region of Derna. Despite geopolitical divisions, humanitarian aid and reconstruction efforts are being mobilized from various parts of Libya, including the internationally recognized government in Tripoli and the National Oil Corporation. Concerns are also raised about the plight of migrants and refugees using Libya as a transit point to Europe who may have been caught in the floods.