Bethlehem’s Manger Square and the Church of the Nativity in West Bank this month.
Palestinians celebrate Christmas amid 'Israeli' repression
Note: AI technology was used to generate this article’s audio.
- Palestinian Christians observe Christmas under 'Israeli' terror marked by raids, arrests, and severe movement restrictions.
- Churches and the United Nations say violations during the holiday undermine freedom of worship and deepen displacement pressures.
Palestinian Christians marked Christmas this year under 'Israeli' military repression, with 'Israeli' forces intensifying raids, checkpoints, and policing that disrupted worship and family gatherings across West Bank, and Gaza.
In Bethlehem, celebrations around the Church of the Nativity were subdued. 'Israeli' checkpoints restricted access to the city, limiting the arrival of worshippers and pilgrims, according to church officials. Travel permits and roadblocks imposed by 'Israel' prevented many Palestinian Christians from attending midnight Mass or visiting relatives, a central part of Christmas tradition, according to Reuters.
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Raids during the holiday
Across the West Bank, 'Israeli' forces carried out night raids during the Christmas period, residents and rights groups said. Homes were searched and several Palestinians detained, including youths. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said 'Israeli' operations and movement restrictions increased fear among civilians and disrupted daily life during the holiday season.
Church leaders said the timing of the raids compounded the impact. “Christmas is supposed to be a time of peace and family,” one Bethlehem cleric told Reuters.
“Instead, people are afraid to leave their homes.”
Policing churches in Jerusalem
In East Jerusalem, 'Israeli' police increased their presence around church compounds during Christmas services. Clergy said worshippers faced questioning and, in some cases, denial of entry. UN OCHA has repeatedly documented 'Israeli' restrictions on access to holy sites, warning that such measures amount to collective punishment and violate freedom of worship.
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The UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief has also criticized 'Israel’s' policies in Jerusalem, citing discriminatory permit systems and excessive use of force around religious sites.
Gaza’s muted Christmas
In Gaza, Christmas passed quietly amid ongoing 'Israeli' attacks and a years-long blockade imposed by 'Israel'. Gaza’s small Christian community held subdued prayers for martyrs and the wounded, with no public celebrations. UN agencies said damage caused by 'Israeli' strikes to homes, churches, and infrastructure left families focused on survival rather than festivities.
Churches warn of lasting impact
Senior church figures said 'Israeli' aggression during Christmas reflects a broader pattern affecting all Palestinians, regardless of faith. They warned that continued violations by 'Israel' are accelerating the displacement of Palestinian Christians from their ancestral homeland.
Western governments, church leaders added, often highlight Bethlehem as a symbol of peace while refusing to name the reality Palestinians face under 'Israeli' control. UN officials have echoed that concern, urging accountability and protection of civilians and holy sites.
Church institutions say they will submit documentation of Christmas violations linked to 'Israeli' actions to international bodies. UN agencies have called on 'Israel' to lift movement restrictions, halt raids near religious sites, and ensure freedom of worship year-round, not only during the holidays.
