Christmas Eve in Bethlehem Amid War in Gaza: Pope Francis Saddened by Loss of Life

Pope Francis (AP/Alessandra Tarantino)

REPUBLICAN DIPLOMACY, JERUSALEM – Pope Francis is saddened by the war in the birthplace of Jesus Christ. On Sunday (24/12) evening or coinciding with Christmas celebrations, another loss of life occurred after the Israeli military attacked Gaza.

Several hours before midnight before Christmas celebrations, a number of Palestinian health officials reported that at least 70 people had died as a result of Israeli air strikes in central Gaza. The Israeli military spokesman’s office said it was still investigating the information.

Regarding Christmas, in Bethlehem, the West Bank, which is an Israeli colony and is believed to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ, for the first time traditional celebrations commemorating Christmas were canceled due to the war in Gaza.

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”Tonight, our hearts in Bethlehem where the Prince of Peace is once again rejected by the empty logic of war, of armed clashes which even today prevent him from finding a peaceful space in the world,” Pope Francis said at the Christmas Eve mass in St Peter’s Basilica, Rome, Italy.

Previously, Palestinian Christians spent Christmas Eve in Bethlehem and offered prayers for peace in Gaza. There are no festive celebrations like what was usually done at Christmas in previous times.

There was no large Christmas tree, which is part of the central festivities in Bethlehem. Statues depicting the birth of Jesus in the church are placed amidst rubble and barbed wire, symbolizing solidarity with the people of Gaza.

Until now, Gaza residents still have to face suffering due to Israeli military attacks. Spokesman for the Gaza Ministry of Health, Ashraf Al-Qidra, the latest Israeli attack left 70 Palestinians dead and a number of houses destroyed.

The Israeli attack targeted Maghazi region, central Gaza on Sunday (24/12/2023) night. ”Most of those who died as a result of Israeli attacks were women and children,” he said. After the week-long cease-fire ended, Israeli attacks intensified.

Israel reported the highest two-day death toll of its troops in more than a month. Meanwhile, one of the resistance groups in Gaza, Islamic Jihad, took part in talks in Cairo, Egypt.

According to them, 10 of their soldiers died following the deaths of five other soldiers the previous day. They stated that this was the worst loss in two days since early November.

“This is a difficult morning after a very difficult day of fighting in Gaza,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said at a cabinet meeting on Sunday. “This war costs a lot of money, but we have no choice but to continue fighting.”

In a video message moments later, Netanyahu emphasized that his troops would go deeper into Gaza until they achieved victory over Hamas. On the other hand, Israel has come under pressure in the last week from its close ally, the US.

The US urges Israel to reduce its military operations in Gaza and reduce civilian casualties. Qatar and Egypt also continue to mediate negotiations to reach a new ceasefire and prisoner exchange between Hamas and Israel. (reuters/han)

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2023-12-25 01:31:58
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