Usually crowds pack into Manger Square for celebrations but this year the mood is subdued. Middle East. Christmas in Bethlehem is somber due to the Israel-Hamas war. December 25, 2023 7:14 AM ET.

The Nativity Store in Manger Square in Bethlehem has sold handmade olive wood carvings and religious items to pilgrims visiting the Church of the Nativity, where Christianity holds Jesus was born, ...

There will be only one decoration in Manger Square, Bethlehem — a nativity, destroyed Churches in Bethlehem are observing Christmas this year without the usual celebrations, eschewing giant ...

People gather in Manger Square, adjacent to the Church of the Nativity, traditionally believed to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ, in the West Bank town of Bethlehem, Saturday, Dec. 24, 2022.

BETHLEHEM, West Bank (AP) — The Nativity Store in Manger Square has sold handmade olive wood carvings and religious items to people visiting the traditional birthplace of Jesus since 1927. But ...

People hold a giant Palestinian flag in Manger Square, near the Nativity Church, in the West Bank city of Bethlehem on Dec. 24, 2023. (AP Photo/Mahmoud Illean) ...

As I walked toward Manger Square, I stopped to talk to my friend Hassan, who has a son the same age as my daughter. When I asked how he was doing, he shook his head.

Bethlehem is preparing for another somber Christmas under the shadow of war in Gaza. Manger Square lacked its usual festive lights and crowds of tourists.

He's standing in Manger Square, wearing a traditional black cassock. THALJIEH: We have to preach about maybe hope, patience, not to be afraid because when the angels appeared for the shepherds, ...

Pizzaballa walked through Manger Square, waving to well-wishers. Later, he was to celebrate Midnight Mass in the nearby Church of the Nativity, built on the spot where Christians believe Jesus was ...

He's standing in Manger Square, wearing a traditional black cassock. THALJIEH: We have to preach about maybe hope, patience, not to be afraid because when the angels appeared for the shepherds, ...