Praise Limited Christmas Celebrations In Palestine, Hamas: Muslims And Christians Are Both Tough

Illustration - The release of two Israeli hostages by Hamas (Screenshot of the Hamas Brigade Al-Qassam military wing video via Anadolu)

JAKARTA - The Palestinian resistance group Hamas praised the Palestinian Christian decision to limit Christmas celebrations in the midst of Israel's war in the Gaza Strip on Sunday.

Our Christian holiday this year took place amid the fascist aggression that was launched (forces) of occupation of all components of the Palestinian people targeting all mosques and churches, Hamas said in a statement.

We appreciate the position of the Palestinian Christians we respect which limits their celebrations this year... and together with our people in the Gaza Strip, which is the target of the brutal Zionist aggression," the statement read.

According to Hamas, the decision confirmed that our society... both Muslim and Christian, are equally resilient, maintain their identity and protect Islamic and Christian sacredness.

Palestinian Christians have announced the cancellation of entire Christmas celebrations, such as not lighting a Christmas tree for the first time in Palestinian history since Nakba 1948.

Israel continues to attack the Gaza Strip in retaliation for a cross-border attack launched by Hamas on October 7.

As a result, 20,424 Palestinians were killed and 54,036 others injured. Most of them are women and children, according to health authorities in the enclave.

About 1,200 Israelis are believed to have been killed in the Hamas attack. Meanwhile, Israel's intense attacks have led to destruction in Gaza.

Half of the housing supply in coastal areas was damaged or destroyed and nearly two million people fled in the densely populated enclave amid the food and clean water crisis.