Share this @internewscast.com

City officials in the birthplace of Jesus Christ are tearing down Christmas decorations in solidarity with Palestinians amid Israel’s continued invasion of Gaza.

Bethlehem, an ancient city located in the West Bank, declared via social media and official spokespeople that decorations installed in previous years are being removed amid the conflict between Israel and Hamas.

“Bethlehem Municipality crews announced the dismantling of Christmas decorations installed several years ago in the city’s neighborhoods and removing all festive appearances in honor of the martyrs and in solidarity with our people in Gaza,” the city wrote on Facebook, according to the Jerusalem Post.

A city spokesperson also acknowledged the campaign to remove Christmas decorations in a statement to the Telegraph.

“The reason is the general situation in Palestine; people are not really into any celebration, they are sad, angry and upset; our people in Gaza are being massacred and killed in cold blood,” the spokesman said, according to the outlet.

They added, “Therefore, it is not appropriate at all to have such festivities while there is a massacre happening in Gaza and attacks in the West Bank.”

Despite the significance of Bethlehem to Christians and its high religious tourism from the faithful during the Advent season, the city is majority Muslim.

The Christian population of Bethlehem has been in steady decline since the mid-20th century.

In 1950, Christians made up over 80% of the local population but now hover around 10% in a Muslim-dominated region.

Many Christians have chosen to flee the area due to persecution and religious harassment.


Armenian Orthodox arrive at the Church of Nativity in the West Bank city of Bethlehem to celebrate Christmas and the Epiphany.
Armenian Orthodox arrive at the Church of Nativity in the West Bank city of Bethlehem to celebrate Christmas and the Epiphany.
Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

Additionally, low birth rates among Christian communities in Bethlehem have also contributed to the collapsing demographic in the West Bank.

Approximately 185,000 Christians live in Israel, where they make up just under 2% of the population, according to Israel’s Central Bureau of Statistics.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
At least 3 people shot within an hour in separate bloody incidents at NYC Dominican Day Parade: sources

Three People Shot in Separate Incidents During NYC Dominican Day Parade: Sources

Police and sources reported that at least three individuals were injured in…
Shooting outside Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, Nevada leaves multiple injured; suspect in custody

Several Injured in Reno Shooting Near Grand Sierra Resort; Suspect Apprehended

A gunman launched an attack near a casino in Reno, Nevada, on…
Portrait of Esther Gabriela Murillo Cruz, a beauty queen.

Former Beauty Queen Killed in Front of Baby and Partner Amid Ecuador’s Drug Cartel Violence Surge

An ex-beauty queen has been tragically shot and killed while riding in…
BREAKING: Leading Israeli Rights Groups Accuse Israel of Gaza Genocide

Israeli Human Rights Organizations Accuse Israel of Genocide in Gaza

Two of Israel’s most prominent human rights organizations, B’Tselem and Physicians for…
George Lucas tells Comic-Con crowd his new museum in LA's Exposition Park will be 'a temple to the people's art'

George Lucas Announces LA’s New Museum at Comic-Con as ‘A Temple for People’s Art’

SAN DIEGO — George Lucas made his debut on the Comic-Con stage…
Cincinnati mayoral candidate, VP Vance's half-brother, slams city leadership after brutal beatdown

Cincinnati Mayoral Contender, Half-brother of VP Vance, Criticizes City Officials Following Violent Assault

CINCINNATI – A contender for Cincinnati’s mayoral position criticized the city’s administration…
People inhaling nitrous oxide from balloons at a bar.

Nitrous Oxide Crisis Hits Party Island: Tourists Experience Severe Reactions, Including Seizures and Permanent Injuries

BRIT tourists have been suffering seizures, foaming at the mouth and left…

Illinois Heat Wave: Air Conditioning Problems Lead to Rush Hospital ER Diverting Ambulances During Chicago Heat Advisory

CHICAGO (WLS) — An air conditioning problem caused a prolonged bypass at…
Travis Kelce debuts dramatic haircut at Chiefs training camp

Travis Kelce Unveils Bold New Hairstyle at Chiefs Training Camp

It was time for a change for Travis Kelce. The four-time First-Team…
Active shooter report prompts massive police response in midtown Manhattan business district

Large Police Presence in Midtown Manhattan Business District After Active Shooter Alert

At least six individuals were injured by gunfire on Monday, and the…
Sailboat sinks near Miami Beach after crash with barge, leaving 6 hospitalized

Six Hospitalized After Sailboat and Barge Collision Near Miami Beach

Six people were pulled from the water near Star Island in Miami…
Coast Guard on boats

Unlawful Migrant Influx Hits US Shores Amid Coast Guard’s Struggles with Rising Numbers Under Biden Administration

The increase in illegal immigration via boats under the Biden administration has…