What's happened
On Christmas 2025, Palestinians in Gaza, the West Bank, and Syria observed the holiday with a mix of solemnity and hope amid ongoing hardships. Bethlehem held its first festive celebrations since 2022, with a towering Christmas tree and parades marking a fragile truce in Gaza. Gaza's Christian community faced grief and loss, with many churches damaged and families mourning loved ones. Syrian Christians celebrated quietly amid security concerns. Religious leaders emphasized resilience and peace.
What's behind the headline?
Christmas Amid Conflict: A Complex Resilience
-
The return of Christmas festivities in Bethlehem and parts of the West Bank signals a cautious revival of normalcy after two years of war and economic hardship. Yet, the celebrations are tempered by ongoing violence, displacement, and deep communal trauma.
-
Gaza's Christian community, once numbering around 3,000, has dwindled to a few hundred due to war casualties and emigration. The bombing of churches and loss of children inside places of worship have transformed sacred spaces into sites of tragedy, reshaping faith into a source of endurance rather than celebration.
-
Syrian Christians observe Christmas with subdued rituals amid security fears, reflecting the broader regional instability that compounds the Palestinian plight.
-
Religious leaders like Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa play a pivotal role in maintaining spiritual morale, emphasizing hope and resilience while drawing international attention to the humanitarian crisis.
-
The economic devastation in Bethlehem, with unemployment soaring to 65%, underscores the fragility of peace and the urgent need for sustainable recovery beyond symbolic celebrations.
-
The juxtaposition of joyous public events in Bethlehem with the grief-stricken prayers in Gaza highlights the uneven impact of the conflict and the fragile nature of the ceasefire.
-
Looking ahead, the persistence of Israeli military raids in the West Bank and settlement expansions threaten to undermine the fragile peace, risking further displacement and diminishing the Christian presence in the region.
-
For global audiences, these Christmas observances serve as a poignant reminder of the human cost of conflict and the enduring hope for peace in one of the world's most contested regions.
What the papers say
The New Arab paints a deeply personal picture of Gaza's Christians, with Ramez al-Souri lamenting the loss of his three children killed in a church bombing, describing Christmas as a painful reminder rather than a celebration. Al Jazeera's Maram Humaid highlights the resilience of Gaza's Christian community, noting the trauma of repeated attacks on places of worship and the dwindling population. France 24 and The Times of Israel focus on Bethlehem's return to festive celebrations, with Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa emphasizing hope and the desire to rebuild despite catastrophic conditions. Sky News adds a human dimension by reporting on the cardinal's visit to Gaza and the ongoing violence in the West Bank, including settler attacks and military raids. The Independent provides economic context, detailing Bethlehem's soaring unemployment and the impact on tourism-dependent livelihoods. These sources collectively reveal a narrative of sorrow, resilience, and cautious optimism, underscored by the complex political and humanitarian realities facing Palestinians during Christmas 2025.
How we got here
The Israel-Hamas war began in October 2023, devastating Gaza and impacting Palestinian communities across the West Bank and Syria. The conflict caused massive casualties, displacement, and economic collapse, especially in Gaza and Bethlehem, where tourism and livelihoods suffered. A fragile ceasefire since October 2025 has allowed limited respite, enabling some return of public celebrations and religious observances during Christmas 2025.
Go deeper
- How has the Gaza war affected the Christian community there?
- What is the significance of Bethlehem's Christmas celebrations this year?
- How are religious leaders responding to the ongoing conflict?
Common question
-
How Are Christians Celebrating Christmas in Gaza and Bethlehem Despite Conflict?
Christmas in Gaza and Bethlehem is a powerful symbol of faith and resilience amid ongoing conflict. Despite violence, economic hardships, and security challenges, local communities continue their traditions, highlighting hope and spiritual strength. Curious about how these regions maintain their Christmas spirit? Below are answers to common questions about celebrating Christmas in war zones and what it reveals about faith and resilience today.
-
How Are Palestinians Celebrating Christmas Amid Ongoing Conflict?
Despite the challenges posed by violence, economic hardship, and political instability, Palestinians are finding ways to celebrate Christmas with resilience and hope. Communities in the West Bank are attempting to revive traditions, even as recent attacks and war impacts threaten their way of life. This page explores how festive celebrations continue in conflict zones, the challenges faced, and the messages of hope from local leaders and clergy. Discover how faith and community spirit shine through even in the darkest times.
-
Why Was Christmas Celebrated in Bethlehem This Year?
After two years of silence due to conflict, Bethlehem's Christmas celebration in 2025 marks a significant moment of hope and resilience. Despite ongoing tensions and economic hardships, thousands gathered in Manger Square to mark the holiday, symbolizing a desire for peace and renewal. But what does this celebration mean for the region and its people? Below, we explore the reasons behind this year's festivities and what they signify for the future.
-
How is the Gaza ceasefire affecting local communities and holiday celebrations?
The Gaza ceasefire has brought a rare moment of calm to a region long marked by conflict. As Christmas approaches, many wonder how this fragile peace is impacting daily life, religious observances, and hopes for the future. In this page, we explore how communities in Gaza and the West Bank are celebrating, the safety concerns they face, and what the future might hold after this temporary pause in violence.
-
What’s the global impact of the Gaza-Israel conflict and US policy changes?
The ongoing Gaza-Israel conflict and recent US policy shifts are shaping international reactions, economic stability, and political debates worldwide. From ceasefire celebrations to debates over gender-affirming care, these events are influencing global conversations and policies. Below, we explore key questions about how these developments are affecting the world stage and what they mean for the future.
-
How Are Religious and Cultural Communities Coping During Ongoing Conflicts?
In regions affected by ongoing conflicts, religious and cultural communities often face immense challenges. Despite adversity, many find ways to preserve traditions, foster hope, and support each other. This page explores how communities like Gaza's Christian residents and others adapt during times of war, highlighting stories of resilience, hope, and cultural continuity amid turmoil.
-
What’s next for the Gaza conflict and US policy on gender care?
As the situation in Gaza remains tense and US policies on gender-affirming care for minors continue to evolve, many people are wondering what the future holds. Will there be escalation or peace talks in Gaza? How will US restrictions impact transgender youth? Here’s what you need to know about these complex issues and what to watch for in the coming weeks.
More on these topics
-
Pierbattista Pizzaballa OFM is an Italian prelate of the Catholic Church who has been the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem since 6 November 2020. He had been Apostolic Administrator of the Latin Patriarchate since 2016. A Franciscan friar, he served as Custos
-
Bethlehem is a city located in the central West Bank, Palestine, about 10 km south of Jerusalem. Its population is approximately 25,000 people. It is the capital of the Bethlehem Governorate.
-
The Gaza Strip, or simply Gaza, is a self-governing Palestinian territory on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, that borders Egypt on the southwest for 11 kilometers and Israel on the east and north along a 51 km border.
-
Gaza most commonly refers to:
Gaza Strip, a Palestinian territory on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea
Gaza City, a city in the Gaza Strip
Gaza may also refer to:
-
Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.
-
The Israel Defense Forces, commonly known in Israel by the Hebrew acronym Tzahal, are the military forces of the State of Israel. They consist of the ground forces, air force, and navy. It is the sole military wing of the Israeli security forces, and has
-
Anthony Norman Albanese (born 2 March 1963) is an Australian politician who has served as the 31st prime minister of Australia since 2022. He has been the leader of the Labor Party since 2019 and the member of parliament (MP) for the New South Wales divis
-
Hamas is a Palestinian Sunni-Islamic fundamentalist militant organization. It has a social service wing, Dawah, and a military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades.