Palestinian Christians gathered at the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem to celebrate Christmas for the first time since the onset of Israel’s war in Gaza in 2023. Bethlehem’s mayor announced the revival of city festivities, emphasizing resilience amid suffering. Palestinian Christians, now fewer than 50,000, face challenges due to Israeli occupation, including attacks on their communities and churches. Reports indicate a rise in violence and land seizures against Christians, particularly in the West Bank and Gaza.
