Israel disrupts Palestinian Vice President’s visit to Bethlehem for Christmas
Christmas in the Old City of Bethlehem, December 24, 2025. Vice President of the Palestinian Authority Hussein al-Sheikh. Photo: Jpost
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.
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