Christians represent .2 percent of the population in Gaza. Apparently, that number is too high for some Islamic terrorists.

An Islamist movement called Jihadia Salafiya has recently opened a military wing to implement Islamic law in Gaza. Now that Gaza is under Hamas control, following a violent takeover last week, Jihadia Salafiya’s leader, Sheik Abu Saqer, has made several statements telling the Christian community exactly what it can expect: full implementation of Islamic law. “I expect our Christian neighbors to understand the new Hamas rule means real changes,” said Abu Saqer on Monday. “They must be ready for Islamic rule if they want to live in peace in Gaza.”

Abu Saqer’s biggest concern seems to be that Christians might consider teaching Christianity to non-Christians. He accused Gaza’s Christian leadership of “proselytizing and trying to convert Muslims with funding from American evangelicals.” “This missionary activity is endangering the entire Christian community in Gaza,” he stated. By “endanger,” Abu Saqer means, if you promote Christianity, we may have to wipe you out.

He promised monitoring of Christians as routine: “Jihadia Salafiya and other Islamic movements will ensure Christian schools and institutions show publicly what they are teaching to be sure they are not carrying out missionary activity.” Abu Saqer claimed that there is “no need” for a large number of Christian institutions in the Gaza Strip. There are, after all, only 2,000 Christians among the 1,000,000 Palestinians in the Strip.

Abu Saqer also explained that Islamic morals would be enforced throughout Gaza: “No more alcohol on the streets. All women, including non-Muslims, need to understand they must be covered at all times while in public. … Also the activities of Internet cafes, pool halls and bars must be stopped,” he said. “If it goes on, we’ll attack these things very harshly.”

Attacks on the Christian community have in fact already begun. Last week, gunmen attacked a Catholic school and convent, stole computers, and destroyed crosses, Bibles, pictures, furniture and other equipment.

Abu Saqer says Hamas “must work to impose an Islamic rule or it will lose the authority it has and the will of the people.” Considering the people elected Islamist Hamas into power in the first place, it’s a reasonable claim to make. Gaza is becoming an extreme Islamic state of the most dangerous variety.