Bethlehem sees surge in departures amid ongoing unrest
Approximately 4,000 Palestinians have departed Bethlehem since the onset of the conflict in Gaza, with declining tourism and increasing hardships due to a tightening Israeli occupation cited as key factors, reports BritPanorama.
The financial strain is evident, particularly for families dependent on tourism and local industries such as wood-carving, as noted by Qumseih, a local resident. Her husband, Atrash, previously employed in tourism, has found no reprieve since the dual crises of the Covid pandemic and ongoing violence dissuaded visitors.
Tensions are particularly palpable across the West Bank, where attacks by Israeli settlers against Palestinians have surged to alarming levels, the highest recorded since the United Nations humanitarian office began monitoring in 2006.
Though Bethlehem remains comparatively tranquil, locals describe the atmosphere as akin to living in “a big jail,” with many citing excessive restrictions imposed by Israeli checkpoints and soldiers.
The Israeli government maintains that its security presence is essential for the protection of settlements in the West Bank. This has been reinforced by a recent government decision to approve the establishment of 19 new settlements, a move bolstered by the influence of far-right factions within Israel’s ruling coalition.
As the ceasefire in Gaza continues to raise uncertainties, key issues remain unresolved, including the potential deployment of an international stabilization force, the formation of a technocratic governance system, the disarmament of Hamas, and further withdrawals of Israeli troops from the territory.
The current dynamics underscore the complexities of the situation, as both sides express grievances over unfulfilled commitments related to the ceasefire.
In this persistent state of conflict and transition, the implications for the region remain profound, as its residents navigate an increasingly precarious existence.
