Bethlehem marks a 2nd somber Christmas Eve during Gaza war

Cities worldwide hold subdued Christmas Eve celebrations amid conflicts
Bethlehem is marking another somber Christmas Eve under the shadow of war in Gaza. Manger Square lacked its usual festive lights and crowds of tourists on Tuesday.
Bethlehem marks somber Christmas under shadow of war
Traditionally in Bethlehem, a grand Christmas tree would light up Manger Square, but local authorities opted against elaborate celebrations for a second year.
Pope kicks off Christmas under shadow of war
Christmas revellers around the world donned red and white Santa hats, offered meals to the homeless and lit candles on Wednesday, as Pope Francis launched observation of the global holiday
Palestinians in Bethlehem call for ceasefire on Christmas Eve
Groups of Palestinians called for a ceasefire in Gaza as early as possible on Christmas Eve in Bethlehem. The city in the Palestinian territory of the West Bank is said to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ.
Bethlehem marks sombre Christmas under shadow of war
Christians gathered at the Church of the Nativity in the holy city of Bethlehem on Tuesday to mark a solemn Christmas overshadowed by war, as Pope Francis led mass in the Vatican.Pope Francis marked Christmas Eve on Tuesday with a special ceremony launching Jubilee 2025,
Christmas in Bethlehem celebrated under the shadow of Israel's war in Gaza
Faith leaders and residents in Bethlehem are grappling with how to mark the festive holiday while fellow Palestinians continue to be killed.
Christians in Gaza mark Christmas amid ongoing Israeli war and hope for peace
Christians in Gaza still manage to celebrate Christmas under the threat of Israel's genocidal war.
Middle East latest: Israeli raid and airstrikes in West Bank kill at least 8 Palestinians
A septuagenarian Israeli woman who was taken hostage during Hamas’s attack on southern Israel on 0ct. 7, 2023 has died.
Pope Francis marks Christmas Eve with the launch of holy Jubilee year
The 88-year-old pontiff opened the Holy Door of St Peter’s Basilica on Christmas Eve. Read more at straitstimes.com.
Syrian Christians attend Christmas mass for first time since fall of Assad
Syrian Christians attended Christmas Eve services on Tuesday for the first time since the overthrow of President Bashar ...
Pope Francis calls for 'lasting peace' on Christmas, ushers in Catholic Church's 2025 Jubilee of 'Hope'
The pope inaugurated the Catholic Church's historic 2025 Jubilee of "Hope" at the Vatican on Christmas Eve in traditional ceremonies before addressing thousands of Catholic faithful the next day.
Pope shares Christmas message, marking start of the 2025 Holy Year for Catholics worldwide
Pilgrims lined up to walk through the great Holy Door at the entrance of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome as Christmas marks the ...
Pope Brings Holy Year and a Message of Hope to Rome's Main Prison
Pope Francis inaugurated his Holy Year at Rome’s main prison on Thursday, bringing a message of hope to inmates and involving ...