Bethlehem celebrates a quiet Christmas amid Israeli attacks on Gaza
Town has “limited its joy” in solidarity with those suffering in Gaza: Bethlehem Mayor
Jerusalem: Bethlehem, the city in the occupied West Bank believed to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ, marked another somber Christmas amid the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict. For the second consecutive year, the town's usual festive cheer was absent, with no lights, decorations, or tourists in the central Manger Square. Bethlehem's mayor, Anton Salman, said the town had “limited its joy” in solidarity with those suffering in Gaza.
The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Pierbattista Pizzaballa, led a religious mass at the Church of the Nativity, but the event was subdued compared to previous years. Palestinian scouts, instead of their usual vibrant performances, marched silently, with some carrying signs that read, “We want life, not death.” Security measures were heightened around the church, with barriers placed near the site believed to be Jesus' birthplace.
The lack of festivities has severely impacted Bethlehem's economy, which relies heavily on tourism, especially during Christmas. Visitor numbers have plummeted from 2 million in 2019 to under 100,000 in 2024, according to the Palestinian Tourism Ministry. The mayor noted that unemployment in the city is near 50%, double the regional average. Local businesses, such as coffee vendors near the Mosque of Omar, are facing tough times, with one vendor expressing hope for a return of tourists once the war in Gaza ends.
The cancellation of Christmas celebrations reflects the broader suffering of Palestinians living under Israeli occupation, with Mayor Salman emphasising the need for international action to end their suffering.
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Elephant calf brought from Bijnor kept under care at Pilibhit Tiger Reserve
Pilibhit (PTI): A 19-day-old elephant calf, brought from Bijnor, was placed under care at the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve (PTR) on Sunday, an official said and added that the calf got separated from its mother in the forest area of Bijnor.
The calf was born on December 2 in the Bijnor forest area and got separated from its mother shortly after birth, the official said.
The forest department made several attempts to reunite it with its mother, but without any success. To ensure the calf's safety and better care, it was decided to transfer it to the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve on the instructions of senior officials.
On Saturday, Deputy Director Manish Singh received the calf. Special arrangements have been made in the reserve for its care. It has been kept in a safe and clean environment to provide it with a natural setting and protect it from external noise and disturbances.
Singh told reporters that raising an 19-day-old calf is challenging.
It requires a special diet as a substitute for mother's milk and constant monitoring.
He said a special team has been formed to provide 24-hour care. Since the calf is very young, it is being cared for like a newborn baby.
According to Singh, the primary responsibility for monitoring the calf's health has been entrusted to PTR's veterinarian, Dr Daksh Gangwar. Under his supervision, a complete record of the calf's health checkups, diet, and body temperature is being maintained. The team is ensuring that the calf does not contract any infection.
