The town of Bethlehem in the West Bank, often regarded as the symbolic heart of Christmas, is experiencing a somber season this year. Traditionally vibrant with visitors and festive decorations, the town now lacks its usual holiday atmosphere. Public celebrations, including the iconic giant Christmas tree outside the Church of the Nativity—built on the site believed to be the birthplace of Jesus—have been canceled for a second consecutive year due to the ongoing war in Gaza.

This year, Bethlehem’s Christian community is marking the season with only religious ceremonies and private family gatherings. Reverend Dr. Munther Isaac, a local Lutheran pastor, reflects on the mood, stating, “This should be a time of joy and celebration, but Bethlehem stands in solidarity with our siblings in Gaza.” At his church, a Nativity display features baby Jesus lying amidst rubble, symbolizing the hardships faced by many. Recent prayer services have focused on the devastating conditions in Gaza.

“It’s heartbreaking to face another Christmas while the suffering continues,” Isaac remarked during a sermon. He criticized decision-makers for their perceived inaction, adding, “To them, Palestinians seem dispensable.”

While Israel strongly denies allegations of genocide in Gaza, the matter is under examination by the UN’s top court following a case brought forward by South Africa.

In Bethlehem, frustration grows among many Palestinian Christians, who feel that global Christian communities have been largely silent. The close-knit Palestinian Christian population often has personal connections to Gaza, deepening the emotional impact.

Dr. Yousef Khouri, a theologian originally from Gaza City, shared the dire conditions faced by his family and others in Gaza. His relatives, sheltering in churches, endure shortages of food, constant bombardments, and a lack of medical care. “We’ve lost friends and family,” Khouri said, emphasizing the unrelenting toll of the conflict.

The war, which began after the Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, has claimed over 45,000 lives in Gaza, according to figures provided by Gaza’s health ministry and deemed credible by the UN. The attack itself resulted in over 1,200 deaths, including Israelis and foreign nationals, and led to approximately 250 hostages being taken.

Simultaneously, tensions have escalated in the West Bank, where new restrictions on Palestinian movement and the cancellation of thousands of work permits have severely impacted livelihoods. Bethlehem, heavily reliant on tourism, is especially hard-hit, with its economy at a standstill.

Local tour guides, such as Abdullah, lament the absence of visitors, noting the ripple effect on businesses across the city. Souvenir sellers and others reliant on tourism echo similar frustrations. “No tourists, no life,” says Abdullah. Another vendor, Adnan Subah, shares, “I am broke. My family and I have been without work for over a year.”

Bethlehem, a city synonymous with hope and renewal, now grapples with profound challenges as its community mourns, prays, and endures another Christmas overshadowed by conflict.