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War between Israel and Hamas: dark Christmas
War between Israel and Hamas: dark Christmas – (France 2)
On the 79th day of the war between Israel and Hamas, Christmas Eve is sad, marked by drama. In Bethlehem, ten kilometers south of Jerusalem, the party is not there.
The joy of Christmas has not reached Bethlehem. The main square, Normally full of people and decorated, is empty. A few people gather around a nativity scene surrounded by barbed wire. Palestinian Christians in the Holy Land today have their hearts in Gaza. “We feel so hopeless and very afraid of what could happen next”testifies a woman, met on the square. “How do you want us to celebrate Christmas in this situation?”asks another, “we are so sad”he adds.
Exceptional access to the West Bank
As a sign of solidarity, a huge Palestinian flag was displayed in the square. Israel exceptionally opened access to the West Bank today. But pilgrims and tourists from all over the world, who flock by the thousands every year, have not been able or dared to come. All the shops are empty, since October 7, commercial activity in the city has fallen by 60%. A seller explains that he is closing his shop, having had no customers all day. Even the patriarch was received in modest conditions. A sober Christmas, to pray for peace.
