Israel bombs Gaza daily as Christmas approaches
- Intensified Israeli airstrikes across Gaza have led to significant civilian casualties, including children.
- The Christian community in Gaza faced immense challenges while attempting to observe their religious traditions.
- Ongoing violence and economic decline have severely impacted Christmas celebrations in Bethlehem, highlighting the suffering of the Palestinian people.
In the Gaza Strip, recent Israeli airstrikes resulted in the deaths of at least 22 individuals, including five children, according to Palestinian medical sources. The strikes occurred overnight and into Sunday, adding to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region, which has faced extensive bombardment for over 14 months as part of Israel's military campaign against Hamas, following the group's attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Among those observing the escalating violence were members of Gaza's small Christian community, who continued their religious practices amidst this turmoil. The airstrikes targeted various locations across Gaza, including a school that was housing displaced persons, where at least eight individuals were killed, most notably three children. The Israeli military justified these strikes by stating that they were targeting Hamas militants. However, the strikes have been met with widespread condemnation internationally, as they frequently result in civilian casualties, compounding the already dire situation faced by the civilian population. In Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus located in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, local officials expressed deep sorrow for the muted celebrations of Christmas this year. The festive atmosphere traditionally associated with the holiday was starkly absent, as the community focused on sending messages of peace and hope while underscoring the ongoing suffering faced by Palestinians due to the violence and economic hardship exacerbated by the war in Gaza. The catastrophic effects of this conflict are evident in the drastic decline in tourism, vital for Bethlehem's economy, where unemployment rates have soared, approaching 50%. Expectations for the Christmas season are dim, with the number of visitors plunging from nearly 2 million in 2019 to below 100,000 in 2024. Local leaders stress the importance of hope and resilience, although the palpable grief and loss are significant as families continually mourn loved ones killed due to the violence in Gaza.