Quiet Christmas in Zababdeh: Palestinian Christians Pray for Peace Amidst Conflict

The usually festive streets of Zababdeh, a Palestinian village with a significant Christian population in the occupied West Bank, remained unusually silent on Christmas Day. Instead of the traditional celebrations, Palestinian Christians, deeply affected by the ongoing conflict in Gaza and heightened violence in the West Bank, opted for prayers for peace and mourning the lives lost.

The atmosphere was somber, with concerns about violence closer to home, as nearby Jenin experienced gunfire and sirens early on Christmas Day amid frequent Israeli raids. Residents expressed their reluctance to celebrate amid the destruction and loss caused by the conflict, emphasizing the impact on their communities.

The Israeli Army contends that its raids target “terrorists,” while Palestinian health officials report a significant number of civilian casualties. As the Christian community in Zababdeh foregoes the usual festive spirit, their prayers for peace echo amid ongoing tensions.