Bethlehem’s losses to economy are in the millions, particularly in the tourism sector – Economy Ministry

The Ministry of National Economy said today that the Bethlehem Governorate has incurred economic losses estimated at millions of dollars in various sectors, especially the tourism sector, since the start of the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip on October 7, due mainly to lack of tourism as well as closures and continuous military incursions. The Ministry's Directorate in Bethlehem said the Council of Churches decided to cancel Christmas celebrations this year due to the Israeli war of genocide in Gaza and limited them only to religious ceremonies in Bethlehem, Beit Jala, and Beit Sahour. It said the tourism sector incurred 100% losses, which led to the closure of restaurants and cuts in hotel activities. Production of industries also decreased by 40%, and the stone and marble factories recorded a decrease of 60%. The commercial services sector was also damaged by 60%, revenues in all sectors decreased by 70%, and the import of goods decreased by 50% and the exports by 62%. The agricultural sector was also hurt due to the occupation forces preventing people from entering their lands to pick olives, and farmers were unable to reach their lands to cultivate them, especially in areas classified as "C", under full Israeli military control. The ongoing military incursions into the governorate cities, towns, villages and refugee camps and the heavy destruction of property contributed to the damage to the economy, said the ministry. Source: Palestine News and Information Agency – WAFA