Israel-Hamas War Steals Celebrations from Bethlehem, Birthplace of Jesus

Even on Christmas Eve the otherwise crowded Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus resembled a ghost town. All Christmas celebrations were called off due to the Israel-Hamas war.

Neither there were festive lights and Christmas trees, nor were any foreign tourists in the West Bank town. Only the Palestinian security forces patrolled the almost deserted Biblical town.

The cancellation of Christmas festivities was a severe blow to Bethlehem’s economy, as tourism provides 70% of Bethlehem’s income, and most of it comes during the Christmas season.

All major airlines have cancelled flights to Israel. According to sources, with almost no tourists, over 70 hotels in Bethlehem have closed down.

Instead of their traditional march through the streets of Bethlehem, young scouts stood silently with flags. Some local students unfurled a massive Palestinian flag as they stood in silence.