According to the Christian Christmas story, Jesus was born in a lowly stable in Bethlehem because there was no more room in the local inns. Around 2,000 years later, almost all of Bethlehem's ...

Remi Benali / Corbis Feuding monks at the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem don't just cast ... The highly publicized fight at Christmas two years ago was essentially a territorial dispute.

Colm Flynn reports from Greccio, and the art historian Dr Geri Parlby explores the nativity scene’s fascinating story and enduring appeal. There will be no Christmas celebrations in Bethlehem ...

Al-Monitor is an award-winning media outlet covering the Middle East, valued for its independence, diversity and analysis. It is read widely by US, international and Middle East decision makers at the ...

Outside the Church of the Nativity, Greek Orthodox priest Issa Thaljieh said Bethlehem was “grieving ... hoped to reopen his local businesses for Christmas this year after closing them ...

For a second year running, there is no Christmas cheer in ... out as the war in Gaza grinds on. Bethlehem’s Manger Square in front of the Church of the Nativity is largely deserted, and souvenir ...

Jesus was born in Bethlehem because Joseph and ... is often retold by children taking part in nativity plays. Christian church services at Christmas include carol singing. These are happy songs ...

But as Bethlehem prepares to mark its second Christmas under the shadow of the war in Gaza, there are almost no tourists, leaving the Nativity Store and other businesses unsure of how much longer ...