Cold Christmas in Bethlehem

Normally, at this time of year, the holy city of Bethlehem is extremely bustling.

The central square on the West Bank will be decorated with a dazzling Christmas tree, alongside a stage recreating the Nativity scene with long lines of people paying their respects. A choir will sing melodious tunes in English and Arabic.

(Photo: REUTERS)

But this year, according to The Independent, with the devastating war in Gaza, that is no longer the case. The Israeli army has closed the main checkpoint into Bethlehem, citing security concerns, preventing many Palestinians from accessing the famous city. Bethlehem is now just deserted streets, with closed shops. Manger Square has no Christmas tree. The Church of the Nativity, considered the birthplace of Jesus and usually visited by over a million people annually, is now almost empty. The only sign is the church bells ringing during a service without attendees. Christmas here has been canceled. Residents say Bethlehem has never seen a Christmas like this, not even during the Covid-19 pandemic.

According to the Hamas-run Ministry of Health in Gaza, Israeli attacks have killed more than 20,000 Palestinians, three-quarters of whom were women and children. Approximately 85% of the territory's 2.3 million inhabitants have been displaced and are living in conditions of dwindling access to food, medical supplies, and water. Meanwhile, violence has erupted in the West Bank. Over the past few weeks, Israel has launched frequent attacks on key cities under the pretext of "counter-terrorism operations," targeting armed militant groups, including those linked to Hamas. Many Palestinian civilians, including children in the West Bank, have been killed.

Clergy in Bethlehem hope the world will do more to end the conflict before the death toll rises. Father Issa Thaljieh said: “We need the whole world to open its eyes and hearts, to support us not just with prayers or aid… We need concrete action, we need a ceasefire, we need peace .”

VIET KHUE

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/giang-sinh-lanh-leo-o-bethlehem-post719825.html