Palestinian Christians Mark First Christmas Processions in Bethlehem Since Gaza War Amid Ongoing West Bank Violence
Bethlehem has marked the return of Christmas processions from Jerusalem to Bethlehem for the first time in two years, following a pause caused by the Gaza war. The celebrations were led by Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, who recently returned from Gaza where 400 people had been sheltered in the Holy Family Parish. During the event, Cardinal Pizzaballa conveyed messages of resilience and the need to turn toward peace.
Despite the festivities, violence in the West Bank continues amid the expansion of Israeli settlements. Recently, 19 more settlements were approved, a move condemned by 12 countries. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) reports that in 2025, 238 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank, including 56 children. A new outpost bearing Israeli flags has appeared in Shepherds' Fields near Ush al Ghrab.
The Gaza War ceasefire began on 10 October 2023. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, at least 400 people have been killed and over 1,000 injured since the ceasefire started. Officials have cited nearly 71,000 deaths in Gaza since the start of the war on 7 October 2023.
In a recent incident in Tuqu' village on 15 December, Ammar, aged 16, was shot by the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) during a raid. At his funeral the following day, Muheeb Ahmed was reportedly shot by a settler. The IDF described a confrontation and riot control situation during the operation, which is currently under review.
For Palestinian Christians, Christmas is seen as a moment to pray for peace and hope amidst the ongoing suffering in Gaza and the West Bank.
