Tweet Facebook Mail Bethlehem marked another sombre Christmas Eve on Tuesday in the traditional birthplace of Jesus under the shadow of war in Gaza . The cheer that typically descends on the West Bank during Christmas week were nowhere to be found. The festive lights and giant tree that normally decorate Manger Square were missing, as were the throngs of foreign tourists.
READ MORE: Egypt seizes hundreds of ancient artefacts 'stolen' from sea floor A street vendor displays corn cobs on his cart at Manger Square, adjacent to the Church of the Nativity, traditionally recognized by Christians to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ, on Christmas Day in the West Bank city of Bethlehem (AP) Palestinian scouts marched silently through the streets, a departure from their usual raucous brass marching band. Security forces arranged barriers near the Church of the Nativity, built atop the spot where Jesus is believed to have been born. A young boy stood holding a pile of balloons for sale, but gave up because there were no customers to buy them.
READ MORE: Passenger 'opens door, steps out on wing of plane' in US Worshippers pray at the Church of the Nativity, traditionally believed to be the birthplace of Jesus, on Christmas Eve, in the West Bank city of Bethlehem, Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2024. (AP) The cancellation of Christmas festivities is a severe blow to the town's economy.
Tourism accounts for an estimated 70 per cent of Bethlehem’s income — almost all from the Christmas seaso.
