Israeli Forces Unleash Tear Gas on Christian Worshippers During St. George Feast in Bethlehem

BETHLEHEM, West Bank — May 6, 2026 — Even ancient rituals of faith have become battlegrounds in the occupied territories. On Tuesday evening, as Palestinian Christians and Muslims gathered in the old town of Al-Khader, south of Bethlehem, for the annual Feast of St. George — a shared local tradition known as Eid al-Khader — Israeli military vehicles stormed the area near the historic St. George’s Monastery.

Soldiers fired barrages of tear gas and concussion grenades into the crowd of worshippers participating in prayers and processions, sending participants fleeing in panic. Local sources described chaotic scenes as families sought shelter, with at least one person reportedly injured and evacuated by Palestinian Red Crescent teams. WAFA, the official Palestinian news agency, and Anadolu Agency reported the assault unfolded without clear immediate provocation during what is typically a peaceful, interfaith gathering.

The feast, observed by the Greek Orthodox community but drawing broader participation, involves barefoot processions and prayers at the monastery dedicated to the revered saint. Activists in the area told reporters that hundreds had assembled for the longstanding cultural and religious event before the convoy arrived.

This incident fits a pattern of heightened friction in the West Bank since the escalation of conflict in Gaza. Palestinian Christians, a shrinking community of fewer than 50,000, have faced increasing pressures — from settler violence and access restrictions to disruptions at holy sites. Similar tensions have shadowed Christmas and Easter observances in recent years, even as Bethlehem attempted modest revivals of public celebrations in late 2025.

Israeli authorities have not issued a detailed public statement specifically addressing the Al-Khader operation as of Wednesday. Such raids are often framed by the military as security measures amid alleged threats or stone-throwing incidents, though Palestinian witnesses and media emphasized the festive, unarmed nature of the gathering.

The episode underscores the fragile reality for minority communities and sacred traditions under prolonged occupation. In a land revered by billions as the cradle of Christianity, moments of devotion now frequently collide with the machinery of conflict.

(Sources: WAFA, Anadolu Agency, IMEMC, MetroTV News, Al Jazeera)