Bethlehem Marks Christmas After Ceasefire As Jenin Church Arson Raises Concern
by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Chief International Correspondent
BETHLEHEM/JERUSALEM (Worthy News) – Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus, marked its first Christmas celebrations since a ceasefire was announced between Israel and Hamas, though concern lingered among Christians following an arson attack near a church elsewhere in the West Bank.
While Bethlehem lies in the West Bank—also known biblically as Judea and Samaria—local authorities had significantly scaled down Christmas festivities during the months of war in the nearby Gaza Strip. This year, celebrations cautiously resumed as a fragile truce held.
On Christmas Day, scouts marched through Bethlehem’s historic streets beneath a clear blue sky, with drums and bagpipes playing Christmas carols as families gathered near the Church of the Nativity, one of Christianity’s holiest sites.
Hundreds of people took part in processions along Star Street and gathered in Manger Square beside a towering Christmas tree, as residents expressed hope that the return of celebrations would help revive the struggling city after months of conflict and economic hardship.
ARSON ATTACK IN JENIN SPARKS CONCERNS
The renewed festivities came amid heightened concern for Christian security in the region.
Church officials confirmed that an arson attack earlier this week damaged a Christmas tree and a Nativity grotto at the Holy Redeemer Church in the city of Jenin.
Local parish priest Amer Jubran described the incident as a “shameful and reprehensible act perpetrated by outlaws.”
Bethlehem’s municipality had limited festivities during the war, but a U.S.-brokered ceasefire has paused full-scale fighting since October.
MANY RESIDENTS FACE FRAGILE CHRISTMAS
Still, residents suggested that the atmosphere remained fragile as hundreds of thousands of people in Gaza continue to face winter conditions in makeshift shelters.
Speaking ahead of Midnight Mass at the Church of the Nativity, Pierbattista Pizzaballa said the situation in Gaza was “catastrophic,” while noting he had also witnessed resilience during a recent visit.
“In the midst of nothing, they have been able to celebrate,” the senior cleric said in published remarks.
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