Christmas festivities in Bethlem have been cancelled by Palestinian authorities “in honour of the martyrs” during the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.
It means there will be no Christmas trees or lights in the town where Jesus Christ is said to have been born.
A Christmas mass and prayers will still take place in Magner Square, a spokesperson for the Bethlehem Municipality said.
“The reason is the general situation in Palestine; people are not really into any celebration, they are sad, angry and upset; our people in Gaza are being massacred and killed in cold blood," the spokesperson said.
The deserted area outside the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem
Reuters
“Therefore, it is not appropriate at all to have such festivities while there is a massacre happening in Gaza and attacks in the West Bank.”
It is the first time in modern history that decorations will not be put up in the square.
Even during the Covid-19 pandemic, festivities such as lighting the tree and a nativity scene, still went ahead.
Bethlehem Municipality said on Tuesday that it would disassemble “all festive appearances in honour of the martyrs and in solidarity with our people in Gaza” ahead of Christmas Day.
CHRISTMAS IS CANCELLED:
Explaining their decision further, the municipality said: “The reason is the general situation in Palestine; people are not really into any celebration, they are sad, angry and upset; our people in Gaza are being massacred and killed in cold blood.
“Therefore, it is not appropriate at all to have such festivities while there is a massacre happening in Gaza and attacks in the West Bank.”
The spokesperson continued: “This year the situation in Bethlehem is unprecedented and the mood and vibes are extremely sad, and that is exactly what the world should see, and realise that these are not normal circumstances.
“Bethlehem should send out its own message of condolence and mourning.”
Smoke rises following Israeli strikes in Gaza, October 7REUTERSThe town of Bethlehem – with a population of 25,000 – is typically a tourist trap in the run up to Christmas.
Alongside tourists, Christians from all around the world also flock to the town, with many taking part in pilgrimages to visit Magner Square and the Church of the Nativity.
The Unesco World Heritage site is associated with being the birthplace of Christ.
However, since Hamas’ attack on October 7, Bethlehem has become like a ghost town as visitors have dwindled.
