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 ...

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.

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) ...

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 ...

BETHLEHEM, West Bank — At Christmastime, the world comes to Bethlehem. The rooftop of the city hall is packed with camera crews from around the globe to capture a towering tree in Manger Square ...

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.

Pope Francis prays at Israel’s separation barrier on his way to a Mass in Manger Square next to the Church of the Nativity, traditionally believed to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ, in the ...

People hold a giant Palestinian flag in Manger Square, near the Church of the Nativity, traditionally believed to be the birthplace of Jesus, on Christmas Eve, in the West Bank city of Bethlehem ...

For the second straight year, Bethlehem’s Christmas celebrations will be somber and muted, in deference to the ongoing war in Gaza. There will be no giant Christmas tree in Manger Square, no ...

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, ...