This year, the city of Bethlehem will not witness the erection of a Christmas tree in the square of the Church of the Nativity, as celebrations will be minimal "without noise and without much light" amid the ongoing war in Gaza. In recent years, clashes between Israelis and Palestinians have occurred in Bethlehem, which is adjacent to Jerusalem in the occupied West Bank, but the current conflict in the Gaza Strip, located 50 kilometers away, has cast a shadow of sorrow over many residents.
A war erupted following an attack by Hamas militants on Israel last month, leading to hundreds of deaths and the abduction of more than 200 individuals. Israel's ongoing response to this attack has resulted in the devastation of much of the impoverished enclave. In the early days of December each year, church leaders gather in Bethlehem to inaugurate the pre-Christmas holiday season in an event that typically attracts many visitors. However, this year, the streets and squares of the mountainous city are largely empty and gloomy under the dry winter sun.
Father Ibrahim Faltas, who was appointed by Pope Francis as the Custos of the Holy Land, stated to Reuters in front of the Church of the Nativity: "I don’t think even during the COVID days have we seen Bethlehem like this. The town is empty, sad... today should be a day of great joy." He added that "Palestinians are suffering due to the 'martyr children, women... the elderly... people who have been martyred in this crazy war.'"
Authorities in Gaza estimate the number of Palestinian casualties to be over 15,000 so far, while Israel claims to have lost 1,200 in the Hamas attack and more than 70 soldiers in the fighting. On November 10, church leaders in the Holy Land expressed their sympathy for those suffering from the uncertain fate of their loved ones, seemingly referring to the families and friends of the nearly 240 hostages held by Hamas.
For the first time in the memory of many residents, a Christmas tree has not been erected in the square of the Church of the Nativity, where the church is preparing to hold religious services without festive displays. Father Francesco Patton, the Custos of the Holy Land, said: "We will celebrate in a sober manner... This means without noise and without much light, and in a more spiritual way, among families rather than in the square."
