World celebrates Christmas as Israel-Gaza war, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine cast shadow over holiday celebrations
- In Bethlehem, where Christians believe Jesus Christ was born in a stable more than 2,000 years ago, effectively cancelled the annual Christmas celebrations
- Ukraine, invaded by Russia nearly 2 years ago, is celebrating Christmas on December 25 for the first time, instead of the traditional Orthodox date of January 7
People donned Santa caps on beaches, ski slopes and streets around the globe on Monday to celebrate Christmas, with Israel’s war on Hamas and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine casting a shadow over one of the world’s favourite holidays.
Red and white Santa outfits appeared on surfers from Australia to Florida, on bicyclists in the smog-filled streets of New Delhi and intrepid souls braving chilly Channel waters for a holiday dip near Britain’s Dover.
Pope Francis kicked off the global celebrations with a sombre call for peace during Christmas Eve mass at the Saint Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican.
“Tonight, our hearts are in Bethlehem, where the Prince of Peace is once more rejected by the futile logic of war, by the clash of arms that even today prevents him from finding room in the world,” said the pope, who was due to lead a Christmas Day mass later on Monday.
The biblical city in the occupied West Bank, where Christians believe Jesus Christ was born in a stable more than 2,000 years ago, effectively cancelled the annual Christmas celebrations that normally draw thousands of tourists.
The town did away with its giant Christmas tree, marching bands and flamboyant nativity scene this year, settling for just a few festive lights.
In the centre of town, a huge Palestinian flag had been unfolded with a banner declaring that “The bells of Bethlehem ring for a ceasefire in Gaza”.
