Bethlehem Marks Christmas With Solemn Restraint Amid Gaza War

World News News

Bethlehem Marks Christmas With Solemn Restraint Amid Gaza War
CHRISTMASBETHLEHEMGAZA WAR
  • 📰 MlaStandard
  • ⏱ Reading Time:
  • 82 sec. here
  • 8 min. at publisher
  • 📊 Quality Score:
  • News: 53%
  • Publisher: 55%

Christmas in Bethlehem is subdued for the second year in a row due to the ongoing war between Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza.

This aerial picture shows the Manger Square outside the Church of the Nativity in the biblical city of Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank on December 23, 2024. Bethlehem 's Manger Square, Christmas decorations and pilgrims are notably absent for a second wartime festive season in the Israel i-occupied West Bank city.

(Photo by Hazem Bader / AFP) Bethlehem, Palestinian Territories—Palestinian security forces deployed around the Church of the Nativity in the West Bank holy city of Bethlehem on Tuesday, as the faithful prepared for another solemn Christmas overshadowed by the war in Gaza. An unusual calm enveloped Manger Square, the heart of the Palestinian city dominated by the revered church that marks the site where Christians believe Jesus Christ was born.The white-walled compound and its surrounding plaza were empty, save for a few vendors selling coffee and corn and a significant contingent of journalists, an Agence France Presse (AFP) reporter saw. Missing for a second consecutive year were the decorations, bustling tourists and crowds of pilgrims that were staples of Christmases past, reflecting the somber mood as the war between Israel and Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip drags on. The fighting in Gaza—which is separated from the occupied West Bank by a swath of Israeli territory—erupted after Hamas’s deadly attack on Israel on October 7 last year. Traditionally, a grand Christmas tree would light up Manger Square, but local authorities opted against elaborate celebrations for a second year.“We want to focus on the Palestinian reality and show the world that Palestine is still suffering from the Israeli occupation, still suffering from the injustice.” Prayers, including the church’s famed midnight mass, will still be held in the presence of the Catholic Church’s Latin Patriarch, but the festivities will be of a more strictly religious nature than the festive celebrations the city once hel

We have summarized this news so that you can read it quickly. If you are interested in the news, you can read the full text here. Read more:

MlaStandard /  🏆 20. in PH

CHRISTMAS BETHLEHEM GAZA WAR PALESTINE ISRAEL

Philippines Latest News, Philippines Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

Empty Manger Square: Bethlehem Marks a Second Wartime ChristmasEmpty Manger Square: Bethlehem Marks a Second Wartime ChristmasBethlehem's Church of the Nativity stands empty as the city observes a second Christmas overshadowed by the ongoing war in the region. Restrictions on movement and the absence of tourists have left the city's usually festive atmosphere subdued.
Read more »

Another bleak Christmas in Bethlehem as Christian families quit West BankAnother bleak Christmas in Bethlehem as Christian families quit West BankLatest Philippine news from GMA News and 24 Oras. News, weather updates and livestreaming on Philippine politics, regions, showbiz, lifestyle, science and tech.
Read more »

Taal Vista Hotel Marks Holiday Season with Timeless Christmas ThemeTaal Vista Hotel Marks Holiday Season with Timeless Christmas ThemeTaal Vista Hotel celebrated the start of the holiday season with the lighting of its outdoor Christmas tree on its 85th anniversary. The event was led by SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation President Elisabeth Sy, Executive Vice President Peggy Angeles, and Taal Vista Hotel General Manager Ramon Makilan.
Read more »

Pope Francis Urges Humility, Condemns Gaza Violence in Christmas AddressPope Francis Urges Humility, Condemns Gaza Violence in Christmas AddressDuring his annual Christmas address to the Roman Curia, Pope Francis emphasized the importance of speaking well of others and condemned the recent violence in Gaza.
Read more »

Geneva Cruz Releases First Christmas Song, 'When Christmas Comes'Geneva Cruz Releases First Christmas Song, 'When Christmas Comes'Pop singer Geneva Cruz launches her first Christmas song, 'When Christmas Comes', just in time for the holiday season.
Read more »

Geneva Cruz Releases First Christmas Single, 'When Christmas Comes'Geneva Cruz Releases First Christmas Single, 'When Christmas Comes'Actress-singer Geneva Cruz shares her love for the holidays and newfound romance in her debut Christmas single, 'When Christmas Comes'. The heartfelt track celebrates the season and the joy of love.
Read more »



Render Time: 2025-02-13 19:58:50