In a display of solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, city officials in the birthplace of Jesus Christ, Bethlehem, have decided to dismantle Christmas decorations. The city, located in the West Bank, announced their decision on social media platforms and through official spokespeople, expressing their intention to remove the festive appearances that had been installed in previous years.

Explaining their stance, a spokesperson from Bethlehem Municipality emphasized the somber mood prevailing in Palestine due to the ongoing violence. "The reason is the general situation in Palestine; people are not really into any celebration, they are sad, angry and upset; our people in Gaza are being massacred and killed in cold blood," stated the spokesperson. They further added that it is inappropriate to hold festivities while such a tragic situation unfolds in Gaza and the West Bank.

Despite being a significant religious site for Christians and attracting a high number of religious tourists during the Advent season, Bethlehem is predominantly Muslim. Over the years, the Christian population in Bethlehem has been steadily declining due to various factors, including persecution, religious harassment, emigration, and low birth rates. In 1950, Christians constituted more than 80% of the local population, but they now make up only around 10% in a Muslim-dominated region.

The decline of Christianity in Bethlehem is part of a broader trend in the West Bank, where Christians have seen their numbers dwindle. This trend is mainly attributed to persecution, emigration, and low birth rates among Christian communities. According to Israel's Central Bureau of Statistics, there are approximately 185,000 Christians residing in Israel, representing less than 2% of the total population.

The decision by Bethlehem's city officials to remove Christmas decorations in solidarity with Palestinians has received attention and sparked discussions globally. It highlights the ongoing conflict in the region and the impact it has on the local communities. As tensions persist, the plight of Christians in Bethlehem serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by religious minorities in the region.