“SORROW, LOSS”
The Hamas assault on Oct 7 left round 1,140 folks lifeless in Israel, most of them civilians, in response to an AFP tally based mostly on the most recent official Israeli figures.
The Palestinian militants additionally kidnapped round 250 folks, 129 of whom Israel says stay in Gaza.
Vowing to destroy Hamas, Israel launched a relentless bombardment and floor invasion of Gaza, the place 20,424 folks have been killed, principally girls and kids, in response to the most recent toll from the territory’s well being ministry.
“This yr is completely different,” stated Mervat Murra, 50, a dressmaker in Bethlehem. “It’s marked by unhappiness, sorrow, destruction, deprivation and loss.”
A marching band, which normally comes with loud bagpipes and tambourines, was absent this yr.
“Our message yearly for Christmas is a message of peace and love however this yr it’s message of unhappiness, grief and anger – a message as a response to what’s occurring within the Gaza Strip,” stated Bethlehem’s Mayor Hanna Hanania.
“The deaf worldwide group should hear our voice.”
Talking as he arrived on the Church of the Nativity, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Pierbattista Pizzaballa, stated: “We’re right here to wish and to ask not just for a ceasefire, a ceasefire shouldn’t be sufficient.
“Now we have to cease these hostilities and to show the web page as a result of violence generates solely violence.”
Sporting a black and white keffiyeh, he referred to as for unity amongst Palestinians of all faiths.
