BETHLEHEM, WEST BANK:
The excitement and cheer that typically descends on the Palestinian town in the occupied West Bank on Christmas were nowhere to be found: The festive lights and giant tree that normally decorate Manger Square were missing. Throngs of foreign tourists that usually fill the square weren't expected and youth marching bands that gather each year to mark the holiday were absent.
Palestinian security forces arranged barriers near the Nativity Church, built atop the spot where Jesus is believed to have been born, and a worker cleared garbage bins.
"Always the message of Bethlehem is a message of peace and hope," said Mayor Anton Salman. "And these days, we are also sending our message to the world: peace and hope, but insisting that the world must work to end our suffering as Palestinian people."
This story is from the December 25, 2024 edition of Hindustan Times Jaipur.
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This story is from the December 25, 2024 edition of Hindustan Times Jaipur.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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