LONDON DAILY ARCHIVE
No Christmas Celebrations in Bethlehem, West Bank as Israel-Hamas Conflict Escalates
Bethlehem, known as the birthplace of Jesus, saw its Christmas festivities canceled due to a severe escalation in the Israel-Hamas conflict.
24 December 2023 · 22:00 UTC
US President Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu discussed the critical need to protect civilians, with Netanyahu committing to continue military operations until objectives were met. According to Israel, 154 of its soldiers have died since the ground invasion on October 27, including ten in a recent battle.
Netanyahu acknowledged the high cost of the war but insisted on continuing the fight. Israel and Hamas accuse each other of targeting civilians, with Israel reporting Hamas attacks killed about 1,140 people, mostly civilians, and Hamas countering that Israeli actions killed 20,424, predominantly women and children.
The Latin patriarch of Jerusalem expressed his solidarity with Gaza's Christians, calling for a halt to violence. In Gaza, where two Christian women were reportedly killed by an Israeli sniper, Sister Nabila Salah also echoed the cancelation of Christmas celebrations. Hamas recognized the unity of Palestinian Christians with Gaza citizens facing aggression.
As fighting intensifies, particularly in Khan Yunis, the effects of the war are evident with widespread destruction and dire humanitarian shortages in Gaza.
The UN reported that 80% of Gazans have been displaced, with many enduring the winter in temporary shelters. Allegations of torture by Israeli forces have surfaced but are denied by the military.
Calls for a ceasefire have been made by various international figures, with the World Health Organization labeling the damage to Gaza's medical system a tragedy. The UN Security Council, pushed by the US, has passed a resolution demanding urgent humanitarian aid delivery to Gaza.
The conflict has stirred wider regional tensions, with Yemen's Huthi rebels targeting shipping in the Red Sea and the US responding with naval defenses. Diplomatic efforts continue, with Islamic Jihad and Hamas leaders engaging in truce talks in Cairo.