Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 12:27pm on 24 Dec 2024,Tuesday International
Bethlehem’s Manger Square, usually vibrant during Christmas, remains subdued this year due to the Gaza war. Security forces surrounded the Church of the Nativity, as local authorities opted for minimal decorations, reflecting a somber mood. Mayor Anton Salman emphasized focusing on Palestine's suffering under Israeli occupation. Midnight Mass will proceed, led by the Catholic Church’s Latin Patriarch, but festivities remain muted. Vendors lamented the lack of tourists, crucial to Bethlehem's economy. Amid regional violence, residents and visitors expressed hope for peace. “Christmas is about faith,” Salman said, urging prayers to end the conflict.
