Israel to allow Gazan Christians into Bethlehem for Christmas

Government will make 500 permits available to Gaza's 1,000 Christians to celebrate Christmas, as Bethlehem prepares for a ‘very silent night’ over Covid fears

Israel to allow Gazan Christians into Bethlehem for Christmas (Al-Monitor)
Israeli announced that about 500 permits will be available to Gaza's 1,000 Christians to enter Israel and the West Bank for Christmas celebrations

This Christmas, Bethlehem is preparing for a very ‘silent night’ (Haaretz)
Before Omicron fears prompted Israel’s latest tourist ban, residents of the biblical town of Bethlehem were preparing for a sea of pilgrims this Christmas season. Now the magnificent church, the hotels and the shops stand empty, and locals are wondering how they will recover the losses

Gaza’s Christians light Christmas tree (Al-Monitor)

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Photo: A worshipper lighting a candle in the Church of the Nativity (Emil Salman)