WATCH: Islamist violence strikes Bethlehem church amid Christmas rehearsals 

In a disturbing escalation of religious tensions, Palestinians attacked a church in Bethlehem during Christmas rehearsals, stoning the building and firing shots. This incident highlights the increasing Islamist intolerance in the city, which is revered as the birthplace of Jesus Christ.

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The Christian population in Bethlehem has declined significantly in recent years, a trend driven largely by increasing Islamist intolerance and ongoing political instability. Once a thriving Christian hub, Bethlehem, located in the Palestinian Territories, has seen its Christian community shrink from over 85% of the population in the 20th century to around 15-20% today.

This decline is attributed to a combination of factors, including economic hardships, limited opportunities for young people, and the rising influence of conservative Islamic groups that often view Christian communities with hostility.