Posted on 12/25/2023 5:18:03 AM PST by FarCenter
Bethlehem (Palestinian Territories) (AFP) – Sadness over the war in Gaza subdued the holiday cheer in Bethlehem on Christmas Eve, when the biblical town would usually be decked out in festive finery.
There was no revelry on Sunday, with few worshippers or tourists on the streets of the Palestinian town in the occupied West Bank, which according to Christian tradition was the birthplace of Jesus Christ.
Celebrations in the Holy Land have mostly been cancelled in solidarity with the people of Gaza, who are living through the deadliest war ever to engulf the besieged Palestinian territory.
"A lot of people are dying for this land," says Nicole Najjar, an 18-year-old student in the city's deserted Manger Square.
"It's really hard to celebrate while our people are dying."
A work of art evoking the tragedy of the war has been installed on the ground opposite the Church of the Nativity, taking the place of the life-size nativity scene and colossal Christmas tree that would normally be there.
On the building next door, a large banner reads: "Stop the genocide, stop the displacement, lift the blockade."
War broke out when Hamas fighters attacked Israel on October 7 and killed about 1,140 people, mostly civilians, and seized 250 hostages, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli figures.
Israel has vowed to eliminate Hamas in response and its military campaign, which has included massive aerial bombardment, has killed 20,424 people, mostly women and children, according to Gaza's health ministry.
In the Hamas-ruled Palestinian territory, an estimated 1,000 Christians have taken refuge in churches.
Last week, a mother and daughter were killed by an Israeli sniper inside the Church of the Holy Family in Gaza City, according to the Latin patriarch of Jerusalem, Pierbattista Pizzaballa.
(Excerpt) Read more at france24.com ...
Home of Jesus the King Church in Nazareth is still open for Christmas. These Arab Believers in the Messiah Jesus Yeshua bless Jews, Christians and Muslims, while spreading the REAL Christmas story:
More likely to avoid becoming victims of the Rabid Feral Animals of Gaza.
I don’t care. I want the IDF to finish the job. Merry Christmas.
Not the first time the Hamas grinch has closed that town down at Christmas.
“The Gaza War” = Blame the Jews.
“Ham ass’s October 7th War” = Correctly laying blame where it is due.
France 24 is the French version of The Guardian. A hive of woke, deluded children. If they run a story I look for another source it.
The whole war is a example of FAFO writ large.
The “Palestinians” FAFO that Israel was NOT in the mood to put up with their little murder spree.
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