Syria's Christians on edge and rebels take Hama - Trending

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Syria's dwindling Christian community fears another wave of persecution, a decade after ISIS systematically attacked them, as fighting intensifies between the Syrian army and rebel groups.

The country was once home to a large Christian population. Before the start of the civil war in 2011, Christians made up about 10 per cent of Syria's 23 million population. Today, the community has shrunk to an estimated 300,000.

Direct attacks on the Christian community by militant group Hayat Tahrir Al Sham, which is leading the offensive, have not been reported. Conflicting reports have emerged from the northern city of Aleppo, captured by rebel groups last week.

Rebel forces entered the central city of Hama on Thursday after a two-day battle. It’s another major territorial gain in their week-long offensive against forces loyal to Syria's President Bashar Al Assad and his Russian and Iranian allies.

Syria's military confirmed that rebel forces had entered Hama after intense clashes, prompting its units to redeploy outside the city, according to a statement published by state media.

The UAE has contributed 42 per cent of the total aid sent to Gaza since the war broke out between Israel and Hamas in October 2023, topping the list of donor countries.

These aid contributions have been valued at $828 million.

The Emirates was among the first countries to respond to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with President Sheikh Mohamed launching the Gallant Knight operation to send vital aid by land, air and sea.