Gaza Christians pray for end of ‘death and destruction’

Hamas and Israel exchanged accusations over delays in finalizing a ceasefire and hostage release deal, with both reporting progress in recent Gaza truce talks mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States. Israeli President Isaac Herzog urged for a deal to be reached as fighting continued in Gaza, where at least 20 people were killed in Israeli strikes. Efforts to reach an agreement have been hindered by new conditions and obstacles from both sides, with...

A key Syrian rescue group and activist discovered a likely mass grave outside Damascus for detainees under former president Bashar al-Assad and fighters from the civil war, with bags of bones and a human skull found at the site. The area near the Baghdad Bridge contained numerous graves covered with cement slabs, some of which had been opened revealing bones with names and numbers. The White Helmets rescue group and Association of Detainees and Missing...

Angry protests erupted in Syria over an attack on an Alawite shrine, resulting in one demonstrator killed in Homs city. Deadly clashes in Tartus province occurred during the attempted arrest of a former official linked to the Saydnaya prison, with 14 security personnel and three armed men killed. Large demonstrations by Alawites in various cities followed, demanding accountability for the shrine attack and expressing concerns over potential retaliatory violence. Full Article

In the Israeli-occupied West Bank city of Bethlehem, Christmas celebrations were subdued due to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. Despite the absence of Christmas decorations at the Church of the Nativity, some, like Jerusalem resident Hisham Makhoul, found solace in spending the holiday in the holy city. Amid prayers for peace, Archbishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa expressed hope for a better future, emphasizing resilience and the desire for a ceasefire in Gaza. Full Article

Palestinian security forces were deployed around the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem as Christmas preparations were subdued due to the ongoing war in Gaza. The city's traditional festive decorations and bustling crowds were absent, reflecting a somber mood as prayers and religious ceremonies took precedence over celebrations. The lack of tourists and business, along with increased violence and movement restrictions, have greatly impacted the local economy and residents' daily lives in the predominantly Muslim...

During the winter season, Saadiyat Island offers a mix of festive cheer, cultural wonders, and luxurious celebrations with events like gala dinners, themed brunches, and live performances. Highlights include Christmas and New Year's Eve celebrations at Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island and Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas, as well as festive activities at Saadiyat Beach Club and Bubble Planet. The Saadiyat Nights Concert Series also features performances from renowned artists like Michael Bublé and...