In central Bethlehem, the Terra Sancta Scout Troop marched down the main shopping street where vendors were selling nougat and shawarma, contrasting with sombre messages on the banners they held: We want life, not death, and Stop the Gaza genocide now.
For Christians in the Holy Land, who number around 232,000, prayer can offer solace and hope for a better future. We're going to pray and ask God to end our suffering, said Anton Salman, the mayor of Bethlehem.
Archbishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa shared a message of hope as he prepared for midnight mass in Bethlehem, emphasizing resilience: I saw everything destroyed, poverty, disaster, but I also saw life - they don't give up.
Next year, we want to see the biggest Christmas tree ever, said Archbishop Pizzaballa, as he stood beside a Palestinian flag, embodying a hopeful vision for the future amidst ongoing conflict.
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