Once marked by shared festivities with Muslims, Church leaders say Israel's genocidal war has left little room for celebration

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.ml/post/40778464

Published date: 24 December 2025 09:30 GMT

Youssef Tarazi, a Palestinian Christian in Gaza, says the giant Christmas tree that once stood as a symbol of communal celebration will not be lit this year.

For a third consecutive year, Gaza’s Christian community says they will be observing Christmas without public celebrations, as Israel’s repeated ceasefire violations and restrictions on humanitarian aid entering the enclave continue to cast a shadow over the holiday.

Before the war, churches across Gaza transformed their courtyards into gathering spaces, decorated streets with festive lights and hosted carols that brought families together.