Israeli police arrested a Palestinian man dressed as Santa Claus during a raid on a Christmas party in Haifa, according to a civil rights organization. The police closed the event, confiscating equipment and detaining the man in costume, a DJ, and a street vendor. Video footage showed police officers pushing the individuals to the ground and handcuffing them in front of onlookers.

The Israeli police stated that the man resisted arrest and assaulted an officer. However, the Mossawa Center, a rights group advocating for Palestinian citizens of Israel, criticized the police for using excessive force and claimed that the raid lacked legal authority.

This incident occurred as Palestinians celebrated Christmas across the occupied West Bank and Gaza, where ongoing restrictions by Israeli forces affect daily life. In Bethlehem, celebrations took place for the first time since the onset of the war in Gaza, featuring marching bands and worshippers attending mass at the Church of the Nativity.

In Gaza, a small Christian community marked its first Christmas since a ceasefire began, amidst significant destruction and loss of life due to Israeli military actions. Reports indicate that over 70,000 people have died in Gaza, with much of the infrastructure severely damaged.

Despite the holiday, Israeli military actions continued, including the uprooting of olive groves by settlers in Turmus Ayya and home invasions by soldiers near Hebron, as reported by the Palestinian news agency WAFA. Additionally, there has been an increase in attacks targeting Christians, with a report documenting numerous incidents against church properties and individuals.

In a related context, Pope Leo, in his first Christmas address, highlighted the dire humanitarian conditions in Gaza, where many live in inadequate shelters amid harsh weather. He drew parallels between the biblical story of Jesus's birth and the current plight of those in Gaza, emphasizing the need for compassion towards vulnerable populations affected by ongoing conflicts.