War seldom has true victors – and for Bethlehem, where tourism once accounted for approximately 70 per cent of income, the Israel-Gaza conflict has left businesses shuttered and livelihoods in ruins. Since the October 7 attack, my home country of Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs has classified Bethlehem and the rest of the West Bank under its highest Level 4: “Do Not Travel” risk advisory. Earlier this month – despite my better judgement – I ventured into Bethlehem to witness firsthand the impact of the Israel-Gaza war on the city’s economy and dwindling Christian population.
‘There are dozens of hotels in Bethlehem, and they’re almost all empty.’
Under the Oslo Accords, Bethlehem was designated as part of Area A of the West Bank, meaning the Palestinian Authority has full civil and security control over the region. Israeli citizens are prohibited from entering without special permission, and the Israel Defence Forces rarely operate there.
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