Bayan News – Palestinians have told international media outlets that they feel no sense of joy amidst the bombardment by the Israeli military, and the number of civilian casualties increases every day.
The New Year is approaching as a fierce war between Hamas and the Israeli military rages on in the Gaza Strip, with no clear prospects for an end to this conflict.
With the continuation of Israeli military attacks on the Gaza Strip, the number of civilian casualties has exceeded 20,000, and the United Nations has also declared that 80% of Gaza residents have been displaced from their areas.
Meanwhile, large areas of Gaza have been devastated, and 2.4 million people are facing severe shortages of water, food, fuel, and medicine due to the Israeli blockade.
According to international media reports, celebrations were held in the city of Bethlehem on the West Bank, considered the birthplace of Jesus Christ, last night with only a few worshipers in attendance. This is in stark contrast to previous years when bustling streets were filled with numerous tourists during this time.
Nevertheless, Pope Francis, the leader of the worldwide Catholic community, began the global celebration of the birth of the Christian Prophet on Monday with a “call for peace.”
He said, “Our hearts are with Gaza, remembering the people of Gaza, with special consideration for our Christian community who are currently suffering in Gaza.”
