Franciscan monks readying for Christmas in the West Bank town of Bethlehem — where Christians believe Christ was born — appealed Tuesday to Israelis and Palestinians to allow them to celebrate the holiday in peace.
Israeli troops have raided Bethlehem repeatedly this year, and the army says troops will remain there through Christmas because of security threats. Bethlehem was the site of the monthlong siege at the holy Church of Nativity that ended in May when a dozen Palestinian militants went into exile in Europe.
"As the eyes of the whole Christian world are turned to Bethlehem, with the approach of Christmas, we appeal — with respectful insistence — to all the parties, authorities, forces and organizations present in the area to express and maintain a commitment to enabling the Christmas and Epiphany observances to take place in a climate of serenity and good will," the Franciscans of the Custody of the Holy Land said in a statement from Rome on Tuesday.
Last week, Pope John Paul II met with Israeli President Moshe Katsav and asked that "free access" be allowed in Bethlehem during the holiday season. Katsav said the army would move outside of Bethlehem if there were no threats, but the military later said it would have to maintain control during Christmas.
Israeli soldiers have occupied Palestinian cities and towns in the West Bank in an attempt to stop Palestinian suicide bombings and other attacks.
The monks who look after holy Christian sites in Bethlehem pointed out Tuesday that their ability to conduct religious ceremonies "is also — let it be recalled — guaranteed under international law, including by international agreements entered into by both the Israelis and the Palestinians.
"At the same time, we so very much hope and desire that the Christian faithful of Bethlehem, and their neighbors, be able to take part in the celebrations without fear or restrictions, and that pilgrims and visitors too may enjoy unimpeded access."
Palestinian Christians say Israeli travel restrictions make it difficult for them to reach the town, and the Mideast conflict has kept most foreign tourists away for the past two years. Low-key services are planned, and turnout this year is sure to be small.
In Bethlehem, town officials said Tuesday they would not put up Christmas lights or decorate the Christmas tree in Manger Square to protest Israeli troops' presence. The troops arrived Nov. 22, after a suicide bomber from Bethlehem blew himself up on a Jerusalem bus, killing 11 Israelis.