Daijiworld Media Network - Bethlehem

Bethlehem, Dec 17: Christmas lights have returned to Bethlehem for the first time since the outbreak of Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza, offering a rare moment of festivity in the historic city revered as the birthplace of Jesus. However, beneath the glow of the decorations, Palestinian Christians continue to grapple with deepening economic distress and escalating pressure from Israeli military incursions and settler violence across the occupied West Bank.

While the lighting of Christmas decorations has brought symbolic hope and spiritual resilience to local communities, daily life remains fraught with uncertainty. Businesses dependent on pilgrimages and tourism are struggling to survive, with visitor numbers drastically reduced amid ongoing conflict and movement restrictions.

Residents say Israeli military operations, frequent checkpoints and settler attacks have further disrupted livelihoods and instilled fear, compounding the impact of the war in Gaza on Christian communities already facing shrinking populations and limited economic opportunities.

Church leaders and community members have emphasised that this year’s subdued celebrations reflect solidarity with those suffering in Gaza, even as they strive to preserve long-standing traditions. The return of the lights, they say, is less a celebration and more a statement of endurance — a quiet assertion of faith and presence amid war, occupation and mounting challenges.