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Subdued Bethlehem Christmas
Bethlehem, West Bank | Dec. 24-25, 2023


Bethlehem is gearing up for a subdued Christmas after officials in Jesus’ traditional birthplace decided to forgo celebrations due to the Israel-Hamas war.

The West Bank town this year will be without the festive lights and customary Christmas tree towering over Manger Square. The cancellation of Christmas festivities, which typically draw thousands of visitors, is a severe blow to the town’s tourism-dependent economy. But joyous revelry is untenable at a time of immense suffering of Palestinians in Gaza, according to the city’s mayor.

FACILITIES OFFERED
- Live Positions in Manger Square, Bethelehem.
- AP Reporter Isabel DeBre available to report in English

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