The Greek Orthodox Archbishop of Sebastia, Atallah Hanna, has issued a heartfelt appeal "from the land of the Nativity to the entire world," calling for an end to the ongoing genocide and the realization of the long-denied justice in Palestine.

In an interview for Al Mayadeen, Archbishop Hanna underscored that "Palestine is a cause for all Arabs, both Muslims and Christians."

He emphasized that Christians in the Levant are deeply entrenched in the rich historical and unifying fabric of Arabism, firmly rejecting any notion that they are "Westernized" or an "external element to the region."

The Archbishop further dismissed labels that describe Arab Christians as minorities, communities, or sects.

Commenting on the developments in Syria, he stressed the need to respect "the unique identity of all components of the Syrian people, regardless of their sectarian or religious affiliations."

Archbishop Hanna also called for a vision of the Middle East built on systems that promote love and national unity, steering away from "the language of exclusion, division, and incitement."

'We want life, not death': Beit Lahm's Christmas subdued amid genocide

Beit Lahm's Christmas celebrations were subdued, with no decorations or tree at the Church of the Nativity, as the city marked another year overshadowed by the ongoing genocide on Gaza, AFP reported Tuesday. 

Revered as the birthplace of Jesus Christ, Beit Lahm opted for modest festivities to show solidarity with Palestinians suffering in the besieged Gaza Strip.

Al-Quds resident Hisham Makhoul, visiting Beit Lahm for Christmas, called the experience an "escape" from the war. "What we're going through is very difficult, and we can't completely forget about it," he said, acknowledging the plight of Palestinians in Gaza. "It's an escape... for a few days, a week or so, no more than this."

In Beit Lahm's city center, the Terra Sancta Scout Troop, dressed in red scarves, marched through the main shopping street. Vendors sold nougat and shawarma while children's carols echoed in the air. Their banners carried somber messages: "We want life, not death" and "Stop the Gaza genocide now!"

A large Christmas tree typically decorates Manger Square near the Church of the Nativity, built over the cave believed to be Jesus's birthplace. However, for the second consecutive year, the municipality refrained from such displays in light of the ongoing war.

Standing next to the statue of Jerome of Stridon, the Christian priest who translated the Bible into Latin, Makhoul said, "Although this year is very different from other years, it still means a lot to us to be here." 

Read more: Syrian Christians urged to limit Christmas celebrations amid tensions