From Bright Stars of Bethlehem Facebook group (https://www.facebook.com/brightstarsbethlehem):

"I want to bring attention to the dire situation in the West Bank, particularly in Bethlehem. Currently, a staggering 86% of our land is under Israeli control, whether through military presence or settlers. This leaves us with only 14% of the land under our own control. The city is encircled by 54 checkpoints, which can be closed at Israel’s discretion, effectively trapping the residents. Just last week, there were three days when access in and out of Bethlehem was completely sealed off.

The conditions we are witnessing in the West Bank are now beginning to mirror those in Gaza, albeit on a smaller scale. Sadly, the ongoing suffering of our people, from the genocide in Gaza to the settler colonial practices in the West Bank, remains largely unreported in the news.

Freedom of movement has become increasingly challenging, impacting our students and professors significantly. For instance, students from Tulkarem faced a heartbreaking experience just three months ago when their aunt passed away about 70 miles from Bethlehem. They attempted to attend the funeral but endured a grueling nine-hour journey, only to arrive after the service had concluded.

This situation raises serious concerns about the impact on our young people. For our professors as well, traveling from places like Ramallah to Bethlehem has become an arduous challenge. Israel routinely closes all main roads for Palestinians, except on Saturdays, making commutes increasingly difficult. The primary route between Ramallah and Bethlehem is inaccessible from 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM daily, leaving it open only to Jewish individuals." - Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb