Bethlehem's Christmas Eve darkens amid Israel-Hamas conflict.

Image credit-Al Arabiya

In the aftermath of the Israel-Hamas war, Bethlehem, the biblical birthplace of Jesus, experienced a stark contrast to its usual vibrant Christmas celebrations. Barbed wire surrounded Manger Square, replacing the usual festive lights and Christmas tree. The bustling town resembled a ghost town, with the cancellation of Christmas Eve festivities due to the ongoing conflict.

The absence of tourists dealt a severe blow to Bethlehem's economy, as tourism typically contributes to about 70% of its income, mostly during the Christmas season. With major airlines canceling flights to Israel and hotels closing, thousands of locals found themselves unemployed.

On Christmas Eve, the town was quiet, and even popular spots like Afteem Restaurant saw a significant drop in visitors. The atmosphere was somber, with the nativity scene in Manger Square featuring a baby Jesus wrapped in a white shroud, symbolizing the children lost in the Gaza conflict.

Despite the challenging circumstances, some individuals, like Dr. Joseph Mugasa from Tanzania, were determined to visit the region and show solidarity. Bethlehem's mayor, Hana Haniyeh, conveyed a message of sadness, grief, and anger in light of the situation in Gaza.

The conflict in Gaza has resulted in over 20,000 Palestinians killed and 50,000 wounded, with a large portion of the population displaced. The war, triggered by Hamas' assault on southern Israel, has also led to increased violence in the West Bank.

The restrictions on movement have impacted daily life, making it difficult for Palestinians to travel and work. Amir Michael Giacaman, who runs a souvenir store, noted the absence of tourists and the financial strain on local residents.

In neighboring Syria, Christians also grappled with the challenges of celebrating Christmas amidst a 13-year civil war. Despite the hardships, the Latin Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa emphasized the message of hope during Christmas, even in the face of war and violence.

The pared-down Christmas in Bethlehem reflected the original message of the holiday, emphasizing community resilience and the anticipation of a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflicts. As Stephanie Saldaña, a long-time resident, expressed, the subdued celebrations made Christmas feel more real, with a collective hope for a miracle to end the war.