With heavy fighting between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, Bethlehem has scaled back its Christmas festivities in solidarity with the Palestinian population. The city, revered by Christians as the birthplace of Jesus Christ, is almost deserted this year.
Church bells echo through the labyrinth-like streets of Bethlehem . With Christmas approaching, the city in the Israel i-occupied West Bank should be teeming with visitors. But this year, it is almost deserted. Local leaders made the decision last month to scale back festivities in solidarity with the Palestinian population, as heavy fighting raged between Israel and Hamas in the devastated Gaza Strip.
More than 20,000 Palestinians have been killed during Israel’s air and ground offensive, according to the Hamas-controlled Ministry of Health in Gaza and nearly 85% of the strip’s total population has been displaced. The war was sparked by Hamas’ terror attack on October 7 on southern Israel in which at least 1,200 people were killed and more than 240 others taken hostage. Many here have ties to Gaza through loved ones and friends, and a sense of misery has fallen upon the city revered by Christians as the birthplace of Jesus Christ. Decorations that once adorned neighborhoods have been removed. The parades and religious celebrations have been cancele
Bethlehem Christmas Festivities Gaza Israel Hamas Solidarity Palestinian Population Fighting Deserted Birthplace Jesus Christ
Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Bethlehem's Christmas Celebrations Canceled Due to Israel-Hamas WarThe typically bustling biblical birthplace of Jesus looks like a ghost town on Christmas Eve, with celebrations in Bethlehem called off due to the Israel-Hamas war.
Read more »
U.S. Defense Secretary to Urge Israel to End Combat Operations in GazaU.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is expected to press Israel to wind down major combat operations in Gaza on a visit Monday, in the latest test of whether the U.S. can leverage its unwavering support for the offensive to blunt its devastating impact on Palestinian civilians.
Read more »
California Officials Face Criticism for Lack of Aid to GazaAs more Palestinian civilians are killed in the war, officials are facing tough questions about how well they’re representing California’s Palestinian community. The state now says it hopes to send aid to Gaza this week, and Gov. Newsom plans to meet soon with Arab and Muslim leaders.
Read more »
Israeli Offensive in Gaza: One of the Deadliest and Most Destructive in HistoryExperts say that the Israeli offensive in Gaza, which has caused immense destruction and loss of life, is one of the deadliest and most destructive in history. The offensive has surpassed the destruction caused in Syria's Aleppo, Ukraine's Mariupol, and the Allied bombing of Germany in World War II. The Israeli military has not provided much information about the types of bombs and artillery used, but experts believe that the majority of bombs dropped in Gaza are made in the U.S. These include powerful 'bunker-busters' that have caused significant casualties in densely populated areas. With the Palestinian death toll nearing 20,000, the international community is urging for a cease-fire.
Read more »