Violence will continue against believers in Israel despite a new Palestinian leader.

Israel (MNN) — A new Palestinian leader won’t make it any easier for Christians. Yasser Arafat has announced his nominee for Palestinian prime minister. Ahmed Korei could replace Mahmoud Abbas, who resigned Saturday.

Voice of the Martyrs Todd Nettleton says he doesn’t believe his appointment will mean any change for Christians in the region. “The Palestinian Authority obviously doesn’t like Christians. And, they particularly don’t like Muslims who become Christians. And so, the persecution is likely going to continue against Palestinian Christians regardless of wh’s in charge.”

Nettleton says there’s a history of violence. He says Mahmoud Abbas was supposed to be a peace-maker and bring everyone together.. “Obviously that didn’t happen. So, it’s hard to believe somebody else is going to come in and have any success.

Nettleton says VOM will continue to stand with those believers. “We have had people in that area of the world. (We’ve) done some exploration of what can be done, what needs to be done and how we can stand with the church there.”

Nettleton says many people are turning to Christ because of the uncertainty. He says believers are preparing for the future. “They are preparing for persecution because they know it’s going to come. They need materials to help them do that and so basically we’re at the stage where we’re evaluating what they need and what we can do to help.

Pray that VOM can assist the church grow in the face of violence, which will give spiritual hope to the hopeless in the region.