Amid the ongoing war between Israel and Palestine, Christians in Bethlehem observed a silent Christmas celebration.
According to The BBC, worshipers gathered at the nativity scene outside the Church of the Nativity in Manger Square, amidst a backdrop of rubble and razor wire.
Instead of the usual festive decorations and lights, the atmosphere was marked by solemnity as candles were lit, and prayers were offered.
Unlike previous years, the customary jovial decorations were set aside. Organizers urged congregations to prioritize the spiritual essence of Christmas while acknowledging the prevailing circumstances, calling for a more subdued commemoration amidst the ongoing challenges.
At least 20,000 Palestinians in Gaza have been reported killed since Israel began bombing the territory in the wake of Hamas’s 7 October attacks.
On average, nearly 300 people have been killed each day since the start of the conflict, excluding the seven-day ceasefire, data from Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry indicates
