Gaza’s deadliest ever war cast a pall of gloom over Bethlehem on Christmas Eve Sunday, as the death toll spiralled and Israel shifted its efforts against Hamas to the besieged territory’s south. The health ministry in the Hamas-run Strip said an Israeli strike late Sunday killed at least 70 people in Al-Maghazi refugee camp, in … Read more
Bethlehem is located just south of Jerusalem. Bethlehem: Bethlehem is normally at its busiest at Christmas but this year war has scared away tourists and pilgrims from the Palestinian town in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, leaving hotels, restaurants and souvenir shops deserted. With global headlines dominated since October 7 by news of the Hamas attacks … Read more
As Christmas Eve fell, smoke still rose over Gaza from the fighting, while Bethlehem in the West Bank was hushed, its holiday celebrations called off. An Israeli Apache helicopter fires flares over the Gaza Strip, as seen from southern Israel, Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit) DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza: Fifteen Israeli soldiers have been … Read more
A group of local students unfurled a massive Palestinian flag as they stood in silence. A nativity scene decorated to honor the victims in Gaza is displayed in Manger Square, near the Nativity Church, which is traditionally believed to be the birthplace of Jesus, on Christmas Eve, in the West Bank city of Bethlehem, Sunday, … Read more