Christmas morning in Damascus brought cheer to Syria’s Christian community as they attended church and participated in an annual parade through the ancient part of the city. However, beneath the holiday spirit lies a sense of anxiety.
The Israel-Gaza war has been ongoing for over a year, with tensions spilling into the surrounding region. The conflict began on October 7 when Hamas militants launched a cross-border attack on Israel, killing around 1,200 people and taking civilian hostages. Israel responded by launching a ground invasion, displacing hundreds of thousands.
A cease-fire deal was reached in November between Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah, bringing an end to more than a year of hostilities. However, the terms and enforcement mechanisms are unclear.
The conflict has also affected Hezbollah, with escalation over the past year leading to an Israeli invasion of southern Lebanon. The region has seen increased violence since Israel’s founding, with airstrikes killing over 1,400 people, including Hezbollah leader Hasan Nasrallah.
In Gaza, Israel has waged a destructive war, killing tens of thousands and plunging half of the population into “famine-like conditions.” Western allies have urged more humanitarian aid to enter the enclave, but Israel has resisted pressure.
Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/12/25/syria-christmas-christians-hts