Christian communities in Bethlehem and across the West Bank are experiencing profound difficulties, largely due to the protracted Israel-Hamas conflict that began in October 2023. The sustained hostilities have significantly impacted daily life, worsening economic conditions, increasing social tensions, and contributing to a notable decrease in the Christian population.
Bethlehem, a city historically central to Christian pilgrimage, has seen a dramatic decline in tourism. In 2024, visitor numbers fell to fewer than 100,000, a stark contrast to the approximately 2 million annual visitors recorded in 2019. This sharp reduction has led to quieter streets and considerable strain on local businesses. Tourism, which forms the backbone of Bethlehem's economy, accounts for an estimated 70% of its income, with a significant portion generated during the Christmas season. The city is reportedly losing approximately $1.5 million daily due to this downturn.
The conflict has also exacerbated social tensions and heightened security concerns. In July 2025, Christian leaders reported incidents of Israeli settlers targeting sacred Christian sites in the West Bank, including a fire near a 5th-century church. The U.S. Ambassador to Israel condemned this act as terrorism. These events have heightened unease within the community.
Religious observances have also been significantly affected. Bethlehem experienced a subdued Christmas Eve in December 2024, overshadowed by the conflict in Gaza. Public Easter celebrations were canceled in April 2025, with claims of double standards arising from perceived differential treatment of religious events. The cumulative impact of economic hardship, security anxieties, and the erosion of traditional practices has spurred increased emigration, with nearly 500 families reportedly leaving Bethlehem in the past year alone in search of greater stability.
Historically, Christians constituted the majority in Bethlehem. In 1950, they represented 86% of the population, a figure that had fallen to approximately 10% by 2017. The broader Palestinian Christian population has also experienced a significant decline, now representing a small percentage of the overall population in the Palestinian territories. Despite these profound challenges, the resilience of the Palestinian Christian community is evident in their enduring faith and deep connection to their heritage, with ongoing efforts to support their presence in the region.