Christmas under occupation: Israeli attacks against Palestinian Christians

In December 2025, Palestinian Christians in Bethlehem celebrated Christmas at the Church of the Nativity for the first time since the start of Israel's war in Gaza in 2023. Bethlehem's municipality restored festivities after a period of silence. The Palestinian Christian community, one of the oldest in the world, now numbers fewer than 50,000 in the occupied West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza, representing about 1 percent of the population. This is a significant decline from the early 20th century when they constituted about 12 percent. The decrease is attributed to the Israeli occupation, which has created economic hardships and restricted movement, leading many to seek stability abroad.

In Bethlehem, the first Christmas tree lighting ceremony since 2022 took place on Saturday, offering a glimmer of hope amid ongoing hardship. Public Christmas celebrations had been cancelled for the past two years due to the Israeli war on Gaza and near-daily Israeli assaults on Bethlehem and other cities across the occupied West Bank. The subdued two-hour event, featuring hymns and prayers for peace, drew crowds to Manger Square. Bethlehem is facing a severe economic crisis exacerbated by Israeli restrictions, leading to business closures and emigration. Palestinians hope the ceremony will encourage tourism and aid economic recovery in the city, where Christians believe Jesus was born.

After two years of cancelled public celebrations due to the Gaza war, Bethlehem in the West Bank has resumed Christmas festivities, symbolized by the lighting of its traditional Christmas tree in Manger Square. The decision to resume celebrations was made despite ongoing suffering in Gaza, with the mayor emphasizing the importance of Christmas as a "light of hope." Locals, including Christians and Muslims, and some foreign tourists are participating in the celebrations. Brightly colored lights and Christmas bazaars are also part of the festivities. Neighboring towns are also planning tree lightings, and hotels are seeing increased bookings. The return of Christmas celebrations aims to send a message of peace from the birthplace of Jesus.