Bethlehem, a town in the occupied West Bank, is experiencing a sombre Christmas this year as celebrations are muted for the second year in a row due to Israel’s ongoing war on Gaza. Christians in the Palestinian territories are praying for peace and stability during this difficult time, as the economic consequences of scaled back commemorations are being felt throughout the region.
In the Syrian capital of Damascus, hundreds of Christians took to the streets to protest after a Christmas tree was set on fire in the city of Hama. There are growing demands to protect rights and religious freedoms, with worries about the future of the country following the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime.
Meanwhile, in Canada, the political landscape is uncertain with U.S. president-elect Donald Trump’s tariff threats and calls for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s resignation. Mackenzie Gray explores the potential outcomes if Trudeau were to resign before the next federal election, and the potential ripple effects of a snap leadership race.
On a brighter note, volunteers at a hospital in Mississauga, Ont. are continuing their annual holiday tradition in the neonatal intensive care unit. A dedicated team of knitters and sewers are crafting stockings for newborns who will be welcomed into the world just in time for Christmas.
This Christmas season is filled with challenges and uncertainty for many around the world, but the spirit of hope and resilience shines through as people come together to support each other during these difficult times.
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Video “Global National: Dec. 24, 2024 | Bethlehem marks sombre Christmas amid Gaza war” was uploaded on 12/25/2024 to Youtube Channel Global News