Christian faithful from around the world descend on the biblical city of Bethlehem for Christmas Eve celebrations at the traditional birthplace of Jesus, as an outburst of Israeli-Palestinian violence dampened the typically festive mood.
Bethlehem has been a focal point for clashes between Israeli troops and Palestinian protesters during the three-month-long wave of violence that has gripped the region. While the annual festivities in the city’s Manger Square were set to go on, other celebrations in the city were canceled or toned down because of the violence.
Candle lighting at the Church of Nativity in Bethlehem on December 23, 2015, the day before Christmas Eve. Photo by Miriam Alster/FLASh90
“We’re in Bethlehem celebrating Christmas, celebrating the birthday of our lord Jesus Christ. This is the birthplace of the king of peace so what we want is peace,” says Rula Maayah, the Palestinian tourism minister.
Thousands of people were crowding into Manger Square, admiring the town’s Christmas tree and listening to holiday music played by marching bands and scout troops.
— AP
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