"Here in Bethlehem, from where I send the Christmas message not only to Bethlehem but to the entire world, I have noticed the presence of light, Pizzaballa said. And this is not just the light of the sun, but the light of your beautiful faces. We decided to be light, and the light of Bethlehem is the light of the world, he added. Today, we bring you peace, prayers, and hearts."
"The suspension of Christmas celebrations in Bethlehem in 2023 and 2024 was in solidarity with fellow Palestinians in Gaza, where Israel has killed more than 70,000 in its genocidal war. Israel has also increased the ferocity of its raids on Bethlehem and the occupied West Bank, where more than 1,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israelis in the past two years. Attacks from the Israeli military and settlers alike have not spared Palestinian Christians, with attacks on Gaza's only Catholic church killing three in July."
Festive scenes returned to Bethlehem with scout troupes marching in pristine uniforms, drums and brass, carols, and traditional Palestinian music blending Christmas celebration with national identity. Public festivities resumed for the first time in two years, creating a poignant atmosphere. A Christmas message noted the presence of light, described faces as the light of Bethlehem and of the world, and called for peace, prayers, and hearts. Celebrations followed suspensions in 2023 and 2024 made in solidarity with Gaza, where more than 70,000 people have been killed. Raids on Bethlehem and the occupied West Bank intensified, with over 1,000 Palestinians killed in the past two years, and attacks have struck Palestinian Christians, including a July attack on Gaza’s only Catholic church that killed three. An October ceasefire provided some respite amid continuing violations.
Read at www.aljazeera.com
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