Bethlehem experienced a somber Christmas Eve with the weight of the Gaza war hanging over the biblical city. The usual festive atmosphere, marked by a giant Christmas tree and nativity scene, was absent.
Instead, a large Palestinian flag was displayed in the town center, accompanied by a banner calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.
Pilgrims and tourists, typical during this season, were notably scarce due to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, leading to canceled official events.
Rather than the traditional Christmas tree, an art installation featuring grey statues of Mary and Joseph amid rubble symbolized solidarity with Gazans. Nearby, a banner emphasized calls to end the Gaza blockade and stop displacement.
