Christmas Eve Observances In Bethlehem

BETHLEHEM, WEST BANK - DECEMBER 24: Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Archbishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa leads the Christmas Mass on the occasion of Christmas on December 24, 2025 in Bethlehem, West Bank. There was more public celebration of the Christmas period in Bethlehem this year, after observances were largely suspended in 2024 and 2023 following the war in Gaza sparked by the Oct. 7, 2023 attacks. During that period, life in the West Bank also became more volatile: Israeli forces stepped up raids on alleged militants, police have clashed with protesters, and there has been a rise in violent attacks on Palestinians by Israeli settlers. (Photo by Faiz Abu Rmeleh/Getty Images)