Bethlehem, known as the birthplace of Jesus, is experiencing a somber Christmas overshadowed by the ongoing war in Gaza and its own economic struggles. Palestinian Christmas celebrations are subdued, lacking traditional festivities. The city's economy, heavily reliant on tourism, has been severely impacted by the war and the Covid-19 pandemic.
BETHLEHEM , West Bank — In the little town of Bethlehem , Christmas this year is barely a whisper. Palestinian scouts paraded through the streets but without their traditional instruments of drums, horns and bagpipes. There was no jubilant countdown to the lighting of the Christmas tree in the main square. In fact, there is no Christmas tree at all.
Israel says the wall is a necessary security measure to stop suicide bombings. But in 2004, the International Court of Justice determined it was illegal under international law. The hardship means many young people are leaving Bethlehem and moving abroad in search of a better future — raising fears that the Christian community in the city where the faith was born will dwindle and might one day disappear. “We are very, very concerned,” Isaac said. “This is beyond the dangerous point.
Christmas Bethlehem Gaza War Palestinian Economy Tourism
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