Christmas is being celebrated all over the world.
Today is the birthday of Jesus, the Lord of Christians. The most splendor of this day remains in the city of Bethlehem.
Christians believe that Jesus was born here. But, this time there is silence here. No one is coming here because of the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas.
Israeli attacks are scaring tourists and pilgrims from visiting the Palestinian city.
Until last year at Christmas, the Palestinian city of Bethlehem was bustling, cheerful and busy. This time the war has left this city deserted.
The flurry of bullets has disrupted the life of the people here. Due to absence of tourists, hotels, restaurants and shops have become deserted.
Bethlehem relies heavily on tourists from all over the world. People come here to see the Church of the Nativity. Christians believe that it is the place where Jesus was born.
Impact of Israel-Hamas war
In fact, after the terrorist attack by Hamas in southern Israel on October 7, the world is witnessing the second world war. In response to the attack by Hamas, the Israeli army is wreaking havoc on many Palestinian cities including Gaza.
So far 20 thousand Palestinians have died in the Israeli attack, most of whom are women and children. Bethlehem, the birthplace of Lord Jesus, is also not untouched by Israeli attacks. City traders say no one is coming.
Joy Canavati, owner of Alexander Hotel, said, “We have no guests. Not even one is coming.” Most of the city’s population here depends on tourism.
“This is the worst Christmas ever,” he said. The city of Bethlehem itself is closed for Christmas. No Christmas tree, no joy, no Christmas spirit.”