|PIC1|The Bible Society has appealed for prayer after its bookshop in Gaza City was bombed last Sunday. The shop, run by the Palestinian Bible Society, was one of three targets of bomb strikes in Gaza City on 15 April.

Ian McKay, Bible Society's Director of International Programmes, said, "There is a great need of prayer for staff in Gaza. They have been under threat and violent attack. They have also under great pressure to meet the needs of their suffering communities."

Although the Bible Society bookshop had been under threat in the past, no threats were received prior to the bombing.

"This meant the attack came as a shock," said Simon Azazian, Information officer of the Bible Society in Palestine.

In a message sent hours after the explosion, Simon said, "Two cars with masked gunmen parked in front of the shop and kidnapped the security guard. An hour later they returned and placed a large bomb at the door."

The attack has left extensive damage to the shop and investigations are continuing.

He continued, "There is a lot of damage, but thank God the security guard was released and no one is injured."

Palestinian officials said those responsible for the bombing are unknown and that they are investigating this incident as part of other attacks that have taken place outside businesses in the Gaza Strip.

Representatives of the Palestinian Ministry of Culture visited the shop to express support for the work of the Palestinian Bible Society and denounced the attack.

Their message was clear: "Please continue your work, and increase your ministry here."

Labib Madanat, Executive Secretary of the Palestinian Bible Society, appealed for prayers to support the society's work in the troubled area.

"Please pray for the team in Gaza that they retain their resilience in spite of the dangers, and they never lose sight of God's presence.

"Pray this incident may lead to even more opportunities for ministry in Gaza and for protection of the staff as they clear up the damage and look to re-open the shop without delay."