'The children of Gaza deserve to be free': Bethlehem girl send message to world

As Bethlehem marks a somber Christmas this year, a child delivered a message from Palestinian children to the children of the world in solidarity with the children of Gaza, where the Israel-Hamas war has led to staggering losses.

Speaking after Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Pierbattista Pizzaballa in Bethlehem’s Manger Square, traditionally the birthplace of Jesus, Marialah Zoughbi on Sunday asked the children of the world to speak up for the children of Gaza, who she said "deserved to be free."

"As I talk to you from the Nativity of Jesus Christ, my dream today is to be among my family, lighting the Christmas tree, eating together on Christmas Eve. My dream is to be heard and seen," she said.

Palestinian Christians are holding a somber Christmas vigil in Bethlehem this year, with hymns and prayers for peace in Gaza instead of the usual celebrations.

The festive lights and Christmas tree that normally decorate Manger Square are missing, as are the throngs of foreign tourists who gather each year to mark the holiday.

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