Summary
Palestinian Christians in Bethlehem gathered for Christmas at the Church of the Nativity, in a city that has restored its festive events. Despite the celebrations, Palestinian Christians face challenges due to Israeli military occupation, economic difficulties, and violence. The number of Palestinian Christians has declined over the years due to these conditions.
Key Facts
- Palestinian Christians celebrated Christmas at the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem for the first time since 2023.
- Bethlehem's festivities were restored after a period of silence amid ongoing conflict.
- Christians in the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza number under 50,000, down from 12 percent of the population in the early 20th century.
- Economic hardships and violence have led many Palestinian Christians to leave the region.
- From January 2024 to September 2025, 201 incidents of violence against Christians were documented, mainly in Jerusalem's Old City.
- Israeli checkpoints, settlements, and the separation wall impact the daily lives of Palestinian Christians.
- The largest concentrations of Christians in the West Bank are in Bethlehem, Ramallah, and East Jerusalem.
