The Nativity Store, a fixture in Bethlehem since 1927, now faces an uncertain future as tourism plummets amid the ongoing war in Gaza, dramatically impacting local businesses.
'Last year before Christmas, we had more hope, but now again we are close to Christmas and we don't have anything,' reflected Rony Tabash, owner of Nativity Store.
With a 25% contraction in the Palestinian economy over the past year, local artisans are left without buyers, affecting over 25 families in Bethlehem.
Tourism in Bethlehem has dropped sharply from nearly 2 million visitors in 2019 to fewer than 100,000 in 2024, severely hindering economic activity.
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