'There is nothing to celebrate': Gaza's Christians mark sombre Christmas amid fragile truce
Once marked by shared festivities with Muslims, Church leaders say Israel's genocidal war has left little room for celebration
from #MiddleEastEye
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.
