Israel will let 500 Palestinian Christians living in Gaza travel to the West Bank to spend Christmas in Bethlehem. But for the 2,500 staying behind, their first Christmas under Hamas rule will be sombre.

Their priest preaches hope, but sometimes even he despairs.

Palestinian officials are expecting more pilgrims to visit the West Bank town of Bethlehem, the traditional birthplace of Jesus Christ, than in recent years.
(Alvaro Barrientos/Associated Press)

"Christmas is destroyed, it's smashed in Gaza," says Father Musallam Manue of Holy Family Church. "There is no more joy in Gaza and because of that there is no more peace in Gaza."

These are tough times in the territory, the CBC's Nahlah Ayed reports.

Under an Israeli blockade imposed after Hamas fighters seized control of Gaza in June, the economy has collapsed, prices have gone through the roof and Gaza is even more isolated than in the past. That's why so many Christians want out, even if just for the holidays.

Jehad Anton hasn't seen his Canadian wife since they married last winter and hoped to be with her in the Toronto area to mark their first Christmas together.

"I tell her, I hope you [have] a merry Christmas. I promise to be with you as soon [as [possible]. Please pray for me to come."

But he is not among the lucky ones.

Border crossings are mostly sealed. Hamas denies Israel's right to exist, and under its rule militants regularly fire rockets into Israeli territory. The Israeli government has responded with military strikes.

With most imports and exports blocked, seasonal supplies bound for Husam Mourtaga's shop have been sitting in port for months, and few have come to buy his old Christmas stock.

"This Christmas is very bad, really, very bad for all people," he says. "For me, I think, and for people."