Israel disrupts Palestinian Vice President’s visit to Bethlehem for Christmas
Israeli military blocked the entry of an official representative of the Palestinian leadership to participate in the Christmas service.
On December 24, 2025, Israeli authorities did not allow the Vice President of the Palestinian Authority, Hussein al-Sheikh, to arrive in Bethlehem to participate in the Christmas service at the Church of the Nativity, reports the Palestinian agency WAFA.
According to the agency, Israeli authorities blocked al-Sheikh's motorcade from entering the city, thereby disrupting his participation in the festive service.
It is noted that Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas sent al-Sheikh to Bethlehem as his official representative to represent him at the Christmas events.
WAFA also emphasized that Christmas celebrations in Bethlehem resumed this year after a two-year break.
Earlier, the UOJ wrote that Bethlehem authorities urged pilgrims to visit Palestine for Christmas.
