Christmas in the Middle East will look different for the first time this year as Israel's war against Hamas continues, CBS News reports.

The conflict, which began more than 11 weeks ago and has claimed the lives of more than 20,000 Palestinians in Gaza, has led to the city of Bethlehem, the internationally revered birthplace of Jesus located in the occupied West Bank, witnessing a Christmas unlike any in the past.

Meanwhile, many local stores closed their doors following the Hamas massacre on Oct. 7. The subsequent Israeli ground offensive has also severely affected tourism in the Holy Land.

Traditionally, this historic city is the center of Christmas celebrations around the world, alive with colorful decorations, Christmas trees, Santa Claus appearances and merry carolers.

This year, many residents are choosing to forgo holiday celebrations altogether in solidarity with the Palestinians in Gaza. The city is eerily quiet, and the usually crowded Church of the Nativity now has empty pews.

In the West Bank today, only 2% of Palestinians are Christian. In Gaza, the figure is less than 1%, with the vast majority believed to be homeless as a result of the war.