Bethlehem's Christmas Shadowed by War: Ghost Town Amid Israel-Hamas Conflict

25 Dec, (VNI) : Bethlehem, the revered biblical birthplace of Jesus, saw a stark departure from its usual festive atmosphere this Christmas Eve. The ongoing Israel-Hamas war cast a somber shadow over the town, prompting the cancellation of traditional Christmas celebrations. Manger Square, typically adorned with festive lights and a towering Christmas tree, resembled a ghost town devoid of its customary throngs of foreign tourists. Instead, Palestinian security forces patrolled the empty square, and gift shops, slow to open, struggled to attract visitors amid the rain. A Franciscan monk from Vietnam expressed the gravity of the situation: "This year, without the Christmas tree and without lights, there's just darkness." He gestured towards a Nativity scene, featuring a shrouded baby Jesus, a poignant reminder of the children lost in the conflict in Gaza. Barbed wire surrounded the scene, contrasting with the usual joyous lights that illuminate Manger Square during Christmas. A restaurant owner noted the significant impact on businesses, stating that the usually bustling Christmas Eve, their busiest day, was subdued. Operating at only 15% of normal business, the owner estimated it would take a year for tourism to fully return even after the war concludes. The economic repercussions extend beyond individual businesses. Bethlehem heavily relies on tourism, constituting around 70% of its income, primarily during the Christmas season. However, with major airlines canceling flights to Israel and the conflict deterring visitors, over 70 hotels in Bethlehem have closed, leaving thousands unemployed. The toll of the Israel-Hamas conflict is staggering. Over 20,000 Palestinians have been killed, more than 50,000 wounded, and 85% of Gaza's 2.3 million residents displaced. The war, triggered by Hamas' deadly assault on southern Israel, has created a ripple effect in the West Bank, affecting access to Bethlehem and other Palestinian towns. Military checkpoints have led to difficulties in movement, while tens of thousands of Palestinians are barred from working in Israel. As the world celebrates Christmas, Bethlehem remains a poignant symbol of the human cost of conflict, with its iconic square standing silent in the face of adversity.