Bethlehem Cancels Christmas Display in Solidarity with Gaza

The traditional festive display will be absent for the first time in modern history due to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, leaving the town devoid of its usual Christmas tourists.

• Bethlehem, the traditional birthplace of Jesus, has cancelled its annual Christmas display in honor of Palestinian 'martyrs' and in solidarity with Gaza.
• The decision means there will be no Christmas tree or decorative lights in Manger Square, the spot where Jesus Christ is said to have been born, for the first time since modern celebrations began.
• Despite the cancellation of the festive display, a Christmas 'mass and prayers' will still take place.
• The cancellation comes in response to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, which has resulted in the death of more than 11,000 people in Gaza and has left the residents of Bethlehem 'sad, angry and upset'.
• Bethlehem's economy, which is highly dependent on tourism especially during the Christmas season, has been severely affected by the conflict, with the town emptied of visitors.

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