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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1,850 missing mobile phones recovered as Delhi Police focusses on victim-centric policing
New Delhi (PTI): Delhi Police has recovered 1,850 stolen and lost mobile phones worth around Rs 4 crore in past 40 days under "Mission Reconnect", an initiative aimed at returning phones to their rightful owners in outernorth Delhi, an official said on Saturday.
The recovered phones were traced from different parts of the country, including remote areas, through technical surveillance and sustained field operations, police said, adding that the devices were handed over to their owners during a programme at the Sports Ground, New Police Lines, Kingsway Camp.
The initiative focused on a victim-centric approach and aimed at strengthening public trust through proactive policing and coordinated efforts across states, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Outernorth) Hareshwar Swami said.
As part of the programme, teams performed 'nukkad nataks' and screened awareness videos on cybercrime, drug abuse prevention, and senior citizen safety, sensitising the public about digital frauds and safety measures, officials said.
The initiative combines technology, investigation and community participation to ensure recovery of lost property and reconnect citizens with their valuables, they added.
