Associated Press: Bethlehem Resembles a Ghost Town on Christmas Eve

The Associated Press reported from Bethlehem in the West Bank that, due to the cancellation of Christmas celebrations because of the Israel-Hamas war, this city, the birthplace of Jesus Christ, resembles a ghost town. According to the report, there are no lights or Christmas trees illuminating Manger Square as usual, nor are there throngs of foreign tourists who typically come to the city for Christmas festivities, with dozens of Palestinian security forces patrolling the empty square. A Vietnamese monk who has lived in Jerusalem for the past six years told the Associated Press, 'This year, without the Christmas tree and without the lights, darkness has overshadowed Bethlehem.' The cancellation of Christmas celebrations has severely impacted the economy of the city, where tourism accounts for about 70% of Bethlehem's income, almost all of which is generated during the Christmas season. Due to the cancellation of many major airlines' flights to Israel, very few foreigners are traveling to the country. Local officials say that with over 70 hotels in Bethlehem closed, thousands have lost their jobs. Hanaa Hanieh, the mayor of Bethlehem, stated, 'Our message every year at Christmas is one of peace and love, but this year our message is one of sorrow, grief, and anger towards the international community for what is happening in Gaza.' In response to Hamas's attacks on October 7, Israel began extensive attacks on Gaza. On that day, Hamas killed at least 1,200 people and took about 240 hostages. The United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Israel, and several other countries have listed Hamas as a terrorist organization. This Palestinian group is supported by the Iranian government.