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Spain Condemns Israel’s New Death Penalty Law as Discriminatory Shift

                   Palestinians hold placards as they take part in a protest, in Ramallah in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has sharply criticized Israel’s newly approved death penalty law, calling it “another step towards apartheid” due to its unequal application to Palestinians convicted in military courts.  The Israeli Knesset passed the legislation mandating death by hanging as the default sentence for Palestinians found guilty of deadly attacks. Critics argue that the law’s language effectively excludes most Israeli citizens—particularly Jewish Israelis—from facing the same punishment, despite identical offenses. Sánchez emphasized the asymmetry, stating that “same crime, different punishment” undermines justice and deepens systemic inequality. His remarks come amid an already tense diplomatic rift between Spain and Israel, intensified by Spain’s condemnation of Israeli actions du...
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A Symbol of Hope: Tiny Christmas Tree Amidst Church Ruins in Lebanon

 

In the southern Lebanese town of Dardghaya, amidst the ruins of the 18th-century St. George Melkite Catholic Church, a tiny Christmas tree now stands as a symbol of hope and resilience. The church, devastated by an Israeli airstrike in October, once served as a vibrant community center. 

Georges Elia, a 40-year-old municipal worker and churchgoer, took it upon himself to bring some normalcy to the holiday season. "This year, Christmas is arriving with sadness for us, but we didn't want it to be a sad one for the town's residents and its church," Elia said. 

The modest tree, shorter than Elia himself, is decorated with a shining garland and a star. Despite the lack of lights and a traditional Nativity scene due to the war's destruction, the tree stands tall among the fallen stones and shattered pews. "But, of course, Christ is born in our hearts, lit with our love for him," Elia added.

The church's priest, Father Maurice el Khoury, who has served for 11 years, conducts Sunday Mass in a small underground room that once housed visiting bishops. "This room is more like the cave where Jesus was born," he said, reminding families of the true essence of the holiday season.

The community's faith remains unshaken, and despite the staggering financial toll of the damage, estimated at nearly $3 million, they continue to celebrate Christmas with hope and love.



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