Christmas in Bethlehem is looking a lot different this year.

Celebrations are being subdued because of the war between Israel and Hamas.

Bethlehem Mayor Hana Haniyeh the immense suffering of Palestinians in Gaza “is untenable.”

The war has killed close to 20-thousand Palestinians since Hamas launched its deadly attack on Israel on October 7th. 

Christmas in Bethlehem, the home of the birthplace of Jesus, generally draws thousands of visitors each year.

Officials say the impact of the war is costing the Palestinian tourism sector $2.5 million a day.

While Haniyeh says the economy is in tatters, and a lack of tourism dollars this year will be felt, she told the Associated Press in an interview last week that it is nothing compared to what the Palestinian people are going through.