Palestinian security forces have been stationed around the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem as the faithful prepare for another somber Christmas, clouded by the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
A rare tranquility has settled over Manger Square, the central hub of the Palestinian city, which is dominated by the prominent church believed by Christians to mark the birthplace of Jesus Christ.
The white-walled complex and its surrounding plaza were largely deserted, with only a few vendors selling coffee and corn, along with a considerable presence of journalists.
For the second consecutive year, there were no festive decorations, bustling tourists, or crowds of pilgrims, a stark contrast to past Christmas celebrations, mirroring the grim atmosphere as the conflict between Israel and Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip continues.
Reports indicate that 1,200 individuals have been killed, with 251 taken hostage to Gaza, according to Israeli figures.
Israel’s ongoing campaign against Hamas has resulted in over 45,200 Palestinian fatalities, according to health officials in the Hamas-administered region.
The vast majority of the 2.3 million residents have been displaced, and large parts of Gaza lie in ruins.
Traditionally, a magnificent Christmas tree would illuminate Manger Square, but local authorities chose to forgo elaborate festivities for a second straight year.
“This year we have limited our joy,” stated Bethlehem’s mayor, Anton Salman.
A nun prays at the entrance of the grotto, believed to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ.
“We want to highlight the Palestinian reality and demonstrate to the world that Palestine continues to suffer from Israeli occupation and enduring injustice.”
Prayers, including the church’s renowned midnight mass, will still take place in the company of the Latin Patriarch of the Catholic Church, yet the celebrations will be considerably more solemn compared to the festive events of the past.
In spite of the prevailing melancholy, some Christians in the Holy Land, numbering approximately 185,000 in Israel and 47,000 in the Palestinian territories, are finding solace in prayer.
“Christmas is a celebration of faith… We are going to pray and beseech God to alleviate our suffering,” Mr. Salman remarked.
In a message directed at Christians around the globe, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed gratitude for their support in Israel’s struggle against what he termed the “forces of evil.”
“You have stood by us faithfully, consistently, and strongly as Israel defends our civilization against barbarism,” he stated.
No tourists, no business.
Vendors outside the Bethlehem Peace Center, situated near the local municipality, waited in vain for customers behind pots of steaming coffee.
Mohammad Awad, 57, has been selling coffee for over 25 years at the base of the Mosque of Omar, whose beautiful minaret is directly opposite the Church of the Nativity.
“Business was thriving before the war, but now there are no customers,” lamented the vendor. “I hope the war in Gaza ends soon and that tourists return.”
While most streets remained quiet, a few visitors could still be seen in the area.
A souvenir shop in Bethlehem yesterday.
“On one hand, it’s disheartening to see so few people,” said Christiana von der Tann, a German visiting with her husband to celebrate the holidays with her daughter, a journalist in Tel Aviv.
“But on the other hand, you can access the Church of the Nativity without the usual crowds… That is a silver lining. However, it’s truly sad for the local people—they really struggle to sell their goods.”
“They’re facing an incredibly tough time.”
Violence in the Israeli-occupied West Bank has increased since the conflict in Gaza erupted, yet Bethlehem has remained relatively peaceful, despite the ongoing strife affecting its predominantly Muslim community.
Foreign tourists, essential to Bethlehem’s economy, have stopped visiting due to the ongoing conflict.
Heightened movement restrictions, in the form of Israeli checkpoints, have also hindered many Palestinians from traveling.
“Last night, there was a rocket attack in Tel Aviv, which was a little frightening,” recounted Ms. Tann.
“We had to take shelter, and that was a unique experience. You never forget that you are in a country at war.”
