A Nativity scene depicting the baby Jesus lying in rubble has been staged in Dublin. 

Organised by the Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign (IPSC) it mirrors a similar Nativity scene created in Bethlehem in the West Bank highlighting the impact of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. 

Artists and musicians attended today’s demonstration against the war between Israel and Hamas as the performed Carols of Solidarity at the iconic Molly Malone statue. 

IPSC member Kirsty Doyle said it’s important to continue highlighting the ongoing conflict in Gaza. 

“Everyone knows that Jesus was born as a refugee,” she said. 

“If he was born today, he would more likely be born into rubble in Palestine. 

“In solidarity with the absolute suffering and horror going on in Gaza, we decided that we were going to do an event like this.” 

The nativity scene organised by the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign in Dublin, 23/12/2023. Image: Sheila Naughton/Newstalk

IPSC Vice-Chairperson Fatin Al Tamimi said Palestinians are not celebrating Christmas this year but mourning the death of thousands of people. 

“Thousands of Palestinian children are mourning their parents, their relatives, their friends,” she said. 

“It's so hard and heartbreaking for me to see the Christmas lights and all the Christmas things here. 

“I love Ireland but it’s hard to know Palestine is suffering.” 

Nativity celebrations cancelled

Annual Christmas festivities in Bethlehem have been cancelled as Israel's war with Hamas continues. 

The main road into Bethlehem is closed, which it has been since the beginning of the conflict between Hamas and Israel on October 7th. 

The Church of Lutheran Christmas in Bethlehem has built a manger out of rubble this year, placed where Jesus Christ is believed to have been born in Bethlehem.  

Reverend Munther Isaac said the rubble represents “what Christmas looks like” to Palestinian children this year.  

Ceasefire in Gaza

The Israeli military has continued to launch airstrikes on Gaza after the United Nations passed a resolution that stopped short of calling for a ceasefire with Hamas.  

Last night, its Security Council voted for more aid to be sent to the territory - but didn't demand an immediate end to the fighting.  

Thirteen countries of the 15-member council voted in favour of the resolution, while the US and Russia abstained.