Explore the history of war crimes during the Christmas holiday, from obscure to landmark incidents. Topics include violations of international humanitarian law, war crimes and massacres from World War I to the present day, Christmas massacres in various war zones, the Wilson massacre in Whippley County, denial of the Nanking Massacre, the Christmas truce of 1914, and violence in Myanmar and Hong Kong.
War crimes have occurred during different Christmas holidays throughout history.
The Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) committed brutal massacres in the Democratic Republic of Congo during Christmas festivities.
Palestinian Christians face restrictions on their movements during Christmas due to Israeli control and travel permit limitations in Bethlehem.
Deep dives
Massacre in Kravica
In December 1993, during the Bosnian War, Muslim forces attacked the village of Kravica on Orthodox Christmas Day, killing 49 and wounding 80 Serbian civilians and soldiers. The attack was part of a larger campaign of ethnic cleansing against Serbian villages, resulting in the death of thousands.
Christmas Massacres in Congo
In late December 2008 and January 2009, the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) brutally killed over 865 civilians and abducted at least 160 children in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The LRA targeted villages during Christmas festivities, using machetes, axes, and clubs to kill their victims. These massacres were part of a larger pattern of atrocities committed by the LRA throughout the African region.
Mass Executions in Gaza
During the Israeli military occupation of Gaza, Palestinians, including Christians, face restrictions on their movements, including during Christmas. Israel controls the travel permits and often limits the number of Palestinians who can visit Bethlehem, traditionally considered the birthplace of Jesus. Families are often separated or forced to cancel their travel plans due to the restrictions imposed by Israel.
Christmas Eve Massacre in Myanmar
On Christmas Eve in Myanmar, at least 37 people were brutally killed in a majority Christian community. The military claimed they were suspected terrorists, but others argue they were innocent civilians. The victims included two charity workers, a disabled man, and a child. The violence occurred in Kyaar state, an area known for intense fighting between rebels and the military. Analysis of images and testimonies suggest that the military's account of the events may be questionable, raising concerns about the cover-up of atrocities.
Christmas Day Massacre in Hong Kong by Japanese Troops
On Christmas Day in 1941, more than 200 Japanese troops stormed St. Stephen's College in Hong Kong, which was being used as a field hospital. Despite the red cross flag and signs indicating its status, the Japanese soldiers proceeded to kill and rape over 120 wounded soldiers and medical workers. The massacre continued into the following day, with the Japanese disregarding the Geneva Conventions. The motive behind the killings was likely to suppress resistance and instill fear in the enemy.
The Christmas Truce of 1914 in World War I
During World War I in 1914, a unique event known as the Christmas Truce occurred in No Man's Land between British and German soldiers. The truce saw enemies setting aside their weapons and engaging in friendly interactions, exchanging gifts, and even playing football. The truce was short-lived and not repeated on the same scale again, as the war intensified and command structures became more centralized. Nevertheless, the Christmas Truce remains a significant historical moment symbolizing the preservation of humanity during the horrors of war.
History of War crimes to occur during the Christmas holiday of December. The list is varied and covers obscure to landmark War crimes.
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