Due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Christmas celebrations in Bethlehem have been largely called off

In Bethlehem, usually bustling with visitors during the Christmas season, the streets are quiet and nearly empty this year. The city, revered as the birthplace of Jesus Christ, has scaled back its Christmas festivities in solidarity with Palestinians, as intense conflict rages between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.

The Ministry of Health in Gaza, controlled by Hamas, reports over 20,000 Palestinian casualties and displacement of nearly 85% of Gaza’s population due to Israel’s offensive. The conflict was triggered by a Hamas attack on southern Israel on October 7, resulting in at least 1,200 deaths and over 240 hostages.

The residents of Bethlehem, many with connections to Gaza, are engulfed in sorrow, leading to the removal of Christmas decorations, cancellation of parades and religious events, and the absence of the traditional large Christmas tree in Manger Square.

Travel to Bethlehem, located south of Jerusalem, is challenging due to the Israeli-built West Bank barrier and checkpoints, with restrictions intensified since the Hamas attack. Movement in and out of Bethlehem and other Palestinian towns in the West Bank is heavily controlled by the Israeli military, affecting daily life and work for Palestinians.

The region has also seen a surge in violence, with the Palestinian health ministry reporting around 300 Palestinian deaths in Israeli attacks.

Local resident Ali Thabet, from the nearby village of Al Shawawra, laments the lack of festive spirit, noting the strong bond between Muslim and Christian communities in the area.

The conflict’s impact is evident in Bethlehem’s cobblestone streets, where businesses hoped for a busy festive season following the struggles of the pandemic. However, the absence of tourists and pilgrims has led to the closure of many hotels, shops, and restaurants.

Rony Tabash, a third-generation shop owner, stands outside his nearly empty store, reflecting on the unprecedented situation. His store, along with the square and the Church of the Nativity, are deeply ingrained in his family’s history.

The Church of the Nativity, a World Heritage site, is unusually quiet. In a normal year, it would be filled with pilgrims visiting its grotto, believed to be the site of Christ’s birth. This year, however, the ongoing fighting in Gaza has left it almost empty.

Father Spiridon Sammour, a Greek Orthodox priest at the Church of the Nativity, expresses his sadness over the absence of peace and joy during this time. He prays for global leaders to bring peace to the region and the world.