Hundreds attended the Midnight Mass at the Church of Nativity in Bethlehem, but the usual festive atmosphere was absent due to the ongoing war in Gaza. Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa emphasized the need for hope and unity amidst division, while expressing sadness over the lack of tourists this Christmas. Mayor Anton Salman echoed the call for peace and the end of suffering for Palestinians, highlighting the importance of Bethlehem in Christian history.