Gaza's Holy Family Church Brings Christmas Cheer Amid Ongoing Conflict

"We are trying to bring back the spirit of Christmas, which is a symbol of peace and love," Father Kassis said. "We want to give our children a sense of normalcy and happiness, even in the midst of difficulties." The Holy Family Church in Gaza City is one of the few places where Palestinians can gather to celebrate Christmas, a holiday that is traditionally observed by Christians around the world. However, the ongoing conflict in Gaza has made it difficult for Palestinians to celebrate the holiday in recent years. The church's decorations, including a large nativity scene, were built by Palestinian children who carefully handled a statue of the Virgin Mary. The children's excitement was palpable as they worked on the decorations, singing traditional Christmas carols in Arabic. Palestinian children carefully handle a statue of the Virgin Mary as they build a large nativity scene in the Holy Family Church in Gaza. They've just finished twisting the metal into a beautiful, intricate design. The return of Christmas celebrations in Gaza is a significant development, given the devastating impact of the war on the community. The conflict has left many Palestinians without access to basic necessities, including food, water, and healthcare. Despite the challenges, the people of Gaza are determined to bring back the spirit of Christmas. "We want to show the world that even in the midst of war, we can still find joy and peace," said a Palestinian woman who wished to remain anonymous. The international community has welcomed the return of Christmas celebrations in Gaza, with many organizations and governments expressing support for the Palestinian people. The United Nations has called for an end to the conflict and the resumption of humanitarian aid to Gaza. As the Christmas season approaches, Palestinians in Gaza are looking forward to a sense of normalcy and joy. The return of Christmas celebrations is a beacon of hope for a community that has been devastated by war.