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Wayne Rooney encourages I’m A Celeb viewers to vote for Coleen to do a trialMADRID (AP) — Spanish King Felipe VI used his traditional Christmas Eve speech to remember the victims of the catastrophic Valencia flash floods , and urged the country to remain calm despite public debates around hot-button issues such as immigration and housing affordability. In a pre-recorded speech that usually reviews the year's most relevant issues, Felipe said Spain “must never forget the pain and sadness" the flood have caused. The Oct. 29 floods killed more than 225 people in eastern Spain, damaging countless homes and leaving graveyards of cars piled on top of each other. In some towns, the heavy downpours that caused the floods dropped as much as a year's worth of rain in just eight hours. In early November, as Spaniards' shock at the wreckage turned into frustration, a political blame game began, directed especially at regional authorities who failed to send timely emergency alerts to cell phones on the day of the floods. The frustration of residents in hard-hit Paiporta near Valencia was on display when people tossed mud and shouted insults at the king and government officials in early November when they made their first visit to the town. “We have seen — and understood — the frustration, the pain, the impatience, the demands for greater and more effective coordination," Felipe said about how the disaster was managed, adding that he had asked that aid be sent to everyone who needed it. He also addressed the country's housing crunch and high rents, which have become a leading concern in this European Union country that is the eurozone's fourth-largest economy. Fast-rising rents are especially acute in cities like Barcelona and Madrid, where incomes have failed to keep up, especially for younger people in a country with chronically high unemployment. Felipe urged that “all the actors involved reflect” and "listen to each other” so that they facilitate bringing access to housing under “affordable conditions.” Spain's immigration debate should keep in mind the country's European partners and immigrants' countries of origin, Felipe said, warning that “the way in which we are able to address immigration ... will say a lot in the future about our principles and the quality of our democracy.” Felipe said Spain need to remain calm in the public sphere, even in the face of a “sometimes thunderous” contest in its politics. Suman Naishadham, The Associated Press( MENAFN - The Rio Times) Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu thanked Christians worldwide for their unwavering support as Israel faces challenges on multiple fronts. In a Christmas Eve video message, Netanyahu addressed the Christian community from the Holy Land. He acknowledged their steadfast backing as Israel defends itself against what he termed "barbarism." The Prime Minister's message comes at a time of heightened tension in the region. Israel currently engages in conflicts on seven different fronts. Netanyahu emphasized the unity of the Israeli people in defending their nation against existential threats. He stressed Israel 's commitment to peace with those who seek it. Netanyahu's words highlight the complex relationship between Israel and its Christian supporters. Christians make up a small but significant portion of Israel's population. Recent data shows about 187,900 Christians live in Israel, comprising 1.9% of the total population. This number represents a 1.3% growth from the previous year. The majority of Christians in Israel are Arab Christians. They constitute 75.3% of the Christian population and 6.9% of the total Arab population in Israel. Challenges Faced by Christian Communities These demographics underscore the diverse religious landscape of the country. Christian communities in Israel face unique challenges as minorities within a Jewish-majority state. Christmas celebrations in the Holy Land, particularly in Bethlehem, reflect the ongoing conflicts. Bethlehem, revered as Jesus' birthplace, experiences a somber Christmas for the second consecutive year. The city's economy, heavily reliant on tourism, suffers greatly. Unemployment rates in Bethlehem approach 50%, according to Mayor Anton Salman. The situation extends beyond Bethlehem, affecting Christians across the Middle East. In Syria, Christians face uncertainty under new leadership. Lebanon sees some Christian areas in Beirut decorated despite recent conflicts. Gaza 's small Christian community endures particularly difficult circumstances. Security measures intensify across the region during the holiday season. Palestinian security forces deploy around the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. Many churches receive heavy guarding, and community gatherings shrink due to safety concerns. These measures reflect the ongoing tensions and security challenges in the area. The Christian exodus from the region continues due to instability and conflicts. In Bethlehem alone, about 470 Christian families left the greater area in the past year. Many Christians contemplate emigration, citing the unstable political situation and continuous wars as primary reasons. Despite these challenges, some Christians maintain hope for peace. Religious ceremonies and prayers continue, including the midnight mass at the Church of Nativity. The resilience of the Christian community in the face of adversity stands out as a testament to their faith and determination. In addition, Netanyahu's message highlights the complex interplay of religion, politics, and security in this historically significant region. The current situation in Israel and the Palestinian territories further underscores these challenges. As Christmas passes, the challenges faced by Christians in the Holy Land remain at the forefront of international concern. MENAFN24122024007421016031ID1109028440 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.
AP Business SummaryBrief at 4:27 p.m. EST