Gaza Christians permitted to enter Israel to visit Bethlehem

JERUSALEM (JTA) — Christian Palestinians living in Gaza will be permitted to enter Israel and to visit Bethlehem in the West Bank for Christmas.

Israeli Tourism Minister Stas Misezhnikov made the announcement Dec. 16 saying that Israel’s gesture is in contrast to the “inhuman cruelty” of Hamas in not allowing Red Cross officials to visit captive soldier Gilad Shalit, who is being held in Gaza.

“I hope that in the spirit of Christmas, the central holiday for Christians worldwide, that Hamas will take steps to free Shalit,” Misezhnikov said.

Meanwhile, Christian leaders met with the commander of the Israeli army’s Civil Administration Bethlehem Coordination and Liaison Office to receive assurances that Christian pilgrims would have no trouble accessing Bethlehem during the Christmas season..

Some 65,000 Christians are expected to visit Bethlehem on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24. Once in Bethlehem, the pilgrims will be under the protection of the Palestinian Authority.