Bethlehem Marks a Somber Christmas Under the Shadow of Gaza Conflict
TDT | Manama
Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com
Bethlehem, revered as the birthplace of Jesus Christ, experienced a muted and somber Christmas Eve on Tuesday, as the ongoing conflict in Gaza cast a long shadow over celebrations. The usual festive cheer that envelops the West Bank during this time of year was conspicuously absent.
Gone were the bright lights and the towering Christmas tree that typically adorn Manger Square. Missing too were the crowds of foreign tourists who usually flock to the town, filling its streets with life and energy. The palpable void underscored the impact of the war on the region, both culturally and economically.
A subdued procession of Palestinian scouts marched silently through the streets, a stark contrast to their usual lively brass band performances. Security forces were stationed near the Church of the Nativity, constructed over the site believed to be the birthplace of Jesus. Among the sparse crowd, a young boy, clutching a bundle of balloons, abandoned his efforts to sell them due to the lack of customers.
The cancellation of traditional Christmas festivities has dealt a severe blow to Bethlehem’s economy. Tourism, which accounts for nearly 70% of the town’s revenue, has been devastated. Visitor numbers have plunged from a pre-COVID peak of approximately 2 million annually in 2019 to fewer than 100,000 in 2024, according to Jiries Qumsiyeh, spokesperson for the Palestinian Tourism Ministry.
The surge in violence across the West Bank has exacerbated the situation. Over 800 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire this year, while militant attacks have claimed the lives of dozens of Israelis. The conflict has also led to stringent travel restrictions. Since the deadly October 7 Hamas-led attack on southern Israel, which killed around 1,200 people—most of them civilians—and resulted in the capture of over 250 Israeli hostages, access to and from Bethlehem has been heavily restricted. These measures have left some 150,000 Palestinians unable to work in Israel, contributing to a significant economic contraction.
Latin Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the top Roman Catholic cleric in the Holy Land, addressed the somber atmosphere, noting the shuttered shops and empty streets. Speaking to hundreds of people gathered in the near-deserted Manger Square, he expressed a heartfelt wish for a brighter future.
“This has to be the last Christmas that is so sad,” Pizzaballa said, voicing a sentiment shared by many in the crowd.
The patriarch also held a special pre-Christmas Mass at the Church of the Holy Family in Gaza City. Several Palestinian Christians shared their plight with the Associated Press, recounting how they had been displaced since the war began in October. Many are sheltering in the church with minimal access to food and water.
The lingering hope for peace and normalcy was evident amid the despair. Yet, as Bethlehem marked another Christmas overshadowed by conflict, the town’s resilience and faith stood as poignant reminders of its enduring spirit.
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