Bethlehem is preparing to celebrate Christmas amidst tightened Israeli restrictions, casting a shadow over festivities, the local economy, and the social fabric of the city. Extensive settlement construction has further exacerbated the situation, encroaching upon significant portions of Bethlehem’s land.
According to political analyst Suhail Khlilia, Bethlehem is one of the most heavily blockaded governorates in the West Bank, burdened by numerous checkpoints and military gates. He notes the presence of 160 Israeli obstacles throughout the governorate, including the city and its villages. This includes 97 iron gates and 8 crossings that severely restrict access to Jerusalem to the north.
“What surrounds Bethlehem is more than just crossings, earth mounds, or iron gates. It is a siege, a strangulation of economic and social life, and of the tourism that constitutes the lifeblood of the city,” Khlilia stated, describing it as an Israeli plan implemented for the past two years. He added that many families and business owners in Bethlehem have suffered severe economic setbacks as a result of the blockade, which has severed connections within the governorate and with other areas, especially Jerusalem, which shares a strong economic and spiritual bond with Bethlehem.
Regarding settlements, Khlilia stated that Israeli authorities have established 23 settlements on the governorate’s land since the 1967 occupation, followed by approximately 25 outposts since 1996. This has profoundly impacted the geography of the region, fragmenting its areas and hindering agricultural activity. These settlements have consumed vast tracts of land, making communication between communities extremely difficult.
Furthermore, a network of settlement roads, stretching approximately 72 kilometers, prevents citizens from accessing their land, effectively creating geographical boundaries.
George Abu Hanak, a resident of Bethlehem, stated that the suffocating blockade has affected the social life of Bethlehem’s residents in general, not just during the holidays, and has paralyzed the local economy. He cited the example of a relative who owns a bakery and used to distribute his products throughout the governorate and other areas. He is now considering closing his business and emigrating due to movement restrictions. Israeli authorities prevent Palestinians from Bethlehem from entering Jerusalem, including Christian residents during Christmas. Even when permits are granted, they are often valid for only a single day or a few days at most.
These gates and…
