A Palestinian woman carrying a child passes through an Israeli checkpoint as they make their way to Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa mosque to attend Friday prayers during Ramadan, in Bethlehem, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank April 14, 2023. REUTERS/Mussa Qawasma
Usually at its busiest around Christmas, Bethlehem is a Palestinian town in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. However, this year’s violence has scared away tourists and pilgrims, leaving hotels, restaurants, and gift shops empty.
Business owners in Bethlehem stated that no one was coming, as news of Hamas strikes in southern Israel, Israel’s military assault on Gaza, and an increase in violence in the West Bank had dominated international headlines since October 7.
Usually at its busiest around Christmas, Bethlehem is a Palestinian town in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. However, this year’s violence has scared away tourists and pilgrims, leaving hotels, restaurants, and gift shops empty.
Business owners in Bethlehem stated that no one was coming, as news of Hamas strikes in southern Israel, Israel’s military assault on Gaza, and an increase in violence in the West Bank had dominated international headlines since October 7.
