“SORROW, LOSS”
The Hamas attack on Oct 7 left around 1,140 people dead in Israel, most of them civilians, according to an AFP tally based on the latest official Israeli figures.
The Palestinian militants also abducted around 250 people, 129 of whom Israel says remain in Gaza.
Vowing to destroy Hamas, Israel launched a relentless bombardment and ground invasion of Gaza, where 20,424 people have been killed, mostly women and children, according to the latest toll from the territory’s health ministry.
“This year is different,” said Mervat Murra, 50, a fashion designer in Bethlehem. “It is marked by sadness, sorrow, destruction, deprivation and loss.”
A marching band, which usually comes with loud bagpipes and tambourines, was absent this year.
“Our message every year for Christmas is a message of peace and love but this year it is message of sadness, grief and anger – a message as a response to what is happening in the Gaza Strip,” said Bethlehem’s Mayor Hanna Hanania.
“The deaf international community must hear our voice.”
Speaking as he arrived at the Church of the Nativity, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Pierbattista Pizzaballa, said: “We are here to pray and to ask not only for a ceasefire, a ceasefire is not enough.
“We have to stop these hostilities and to turn the page because violence generates only violence.”
Wearing a black and white keffiyeh, he called for unity among Palestinians of all faiths.
Source: CNA
