Bethlehem Marks 2nd Christmas Amid Gaza Genocide; Iran Fumes As Israel Admits Role In Haniyeh Killing| Photo: AP Bethlehem Marks 2nd Christmas Amid Gaza Genocide; Iran Fumes As Israel Admits Role In Haniyeh Killing| Photo: AP

As the war rages on, the city of Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank marks its second sombre Christmas filled with prayers to bring an end to Israel's genocide in Gaza.

Meanwhile, Iran has called on the United Nations to condemn Israel after it admitted its role in the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. Furthermore, Tehran has also justified its October strikes on Israel, following the admission from Defence Minister Israel Katz.

West Asia Tensions | Latest DevelopmentsChristmas Prayers Calls For End Of Genocide In Gaza

As the war in Gaza rages on, the city of Bethlehem marks its second Christmas. With conflict all around, Christians in the West Bank city have called for an end to Israel's genocide on Gaza.

With no Christmas tree or decoration present in Bethlehem, which is accorded as the birthplace of Jesus Christ, holiday cheer remains absent.

Scout groups roamed the city singing carols while holding banners with the message - "we want life, not death."

Furthermore, the Pope has called for a ceasefire in Gaza during the Christmas season. Describing the ongoing war as a "Great cruelty"

“I think of Gaza with great sorrow; so much cruelty, children hit by machine guns, schools and hospitals bombed... What great cruelty. Let weapons fall silent, and let Christmas carols resound,” said Pope Francis.

Iran Calls On UNSC To Condemn Israel For Haniyeh's Assassination

On Tuesday, Israel confirmed its role in the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh. Defence minister Israel Katz was quoted as saying that the Israeli military was behind the Hamas chief's killing.

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"We will strike hard at the Houthis… and decapitate their leadership – just as we did with Haniyeh, [Yahya] Sinwar, and [Hassan] Nasrallah in Tehran, Gaza, and Lebanon,” Katz was quoted as saying by the Guardian.

In response to this, Iran has called on the United Nations Security Council to take action and condemn Israel. Furthermore, in a letter to UN Chief Antonio Guterres, Iran has stated that its October strikes on Israel have been legitimised due to Israel's role in the assassination.

"The Security Council must not allow the continued impunity of a regime that flagrantly defies international law, destabilises the region, and threatens and endangers international peace and security," said Iran in its letter.

Famine Unfolding In North Gaza, Claims Food Crisis Monitor

As the war rages on, theFamine Early Warning System Network has warned that a famine is unfolding in northern Gaza. The US-based food crisis monitor said that if Israel continues its blockade of aid, "deaths from starvation could pass famine levels as early as next month."

"Based on the collapse of the food system and worsening access to water, sanitation, and health services in these areas […] it is highly likely that the food consumption and acute malnutrition thresholds for Famine (IPC Phase 5) have now been surpassed in North Gaza Governorate,” said FEWS NET.

Howeverjollibet, US envoy to Israel Jacob Kew has dismissed the food crisis monitor's report and stated that the data is "outdated and inaccurate".