'Bethlehem is empty of joy - no Santa, no celebration' - BBC News

The West Bank city of Bethlehem, usually bustling at this time of year, is subdued as war goes on in Gaza.

24 December 2023Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRelated TopicsIsrael-Gaza warThis video can not be played

Watch: Bethlehem nativity scene depicted with rubble and razor wire

The atmosphere in Bethlehem is heavy with absence.

Christmas celebrations have been cancelled this year and the thousands of tourists and pilgrims who would normally fill Manger Square are nowhere to be found.

"The city is empty from happiness, from joy, from kids, from Santa. There is no celebration this year," says Madeleine, a resident of Bethlehem, in the occupied West Bank.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-67815370?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=KARANGA

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