Bethlehem Marks a Sombre Christmas Amid the Shadow of Gaza War

Bethlehem: On Tuesday, hundreds of worshippers gathered at the historic Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, marking yet another solemn Christmas overshadowed by the ongoing conflict in Gaza. This year, the celebrations were subdued, reflecting the grief and tension that has engulfed the region.

For the second consecutive year, Bethlehem’s Christmas lacked the usual grandeur. Gone were the vibrant decorations and bustling crowds of tourists and pilgrims that once filled Manger Square, the heart of this sacred city. The sombre atmosphere mirrors the escalating violence between Israel and Palestinian fighters in the Gaza Strip.

At Manger Square, located outside the revered church believed to mark the birthplace of Jesus Christ, a modest scout parade offered a brief break from the prevailing quiet. A poignant sign carried by one scout read, “Our children want to play and laugh,” as whistles and cheers echoed in the background.

Traditionally, a grand Christmas tree adorned the square, illuminating the festivities. However, for the second year in a row, local authorities decided against such displays. “This year we limited our joy,” said Bethlehem mayor Anton Salman, expressing the city’s collective grief.

While Bethlehem will still host prayers, including the renowned midnight mass attended by the Catholic Church’s Latin Patriarch, the celebrations remain strictly religious. The festive spirit that once defined Christmas in Bethlehem has been replaced by a reflective and mournful observance.

Despite the subdued celebrations, Christians in the Holy Land, numbering around 185,000 in Israel and 47,000 in the Palestinian territories, have turned to prayer as a source of solace. Many gather in churches, seeking comfort and strength during these difficult times.

The Gaza conflict has claimed a devastating toll, with the Hamas-run health ministry reporting 45,338 deaths. The United Nations considers these figures reliable, further underscoring the immense human cost of the violence.

Bethlehem, a city symbolic of hope and peace, continues to bear witness to the wider struggles of the region. As the faithful gather in prayer, their subdued voices reflect the collective yearning for an end to the suffering and the restoration of harmony in the land.