World Dec 24 Palestinians mark Christmas in Bethlehem while navigating life during conflict By Karl Bostic, Thomas Dallal
World Dec 24 Thousands flock to Bethlehem to revive Christmas spirit after 2 years of war in Gaza The giant Christmas tree that was absent during the Israel-Hamas war returned on Wednesday, overlooking a parade of scouts playing songs on bagpipes. By Melanie Lidman, Associated Press
Arts Dec 25 Watch 4:52 What makes Bethlehem, Pennsylvania's Moravian settlement so unique The U.S. gained its 26th UNESCO World Heritage Site this summer. The Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Moravian settlement joined three other Moravian settlements in Germany, Denmark and Northern Ireland in becoming a World Heritage Site this year, tracing ideals and consistency found… By Tim McPhillips
Politics Dec 24 Palestinians in Bethlehem mark another subdued Christmas Eve during war in Gaza The war, the violence in the occupied West Bank it has spurred and the lack of festivities has deeply hurt Bethlehem's economy. By Jalal Bwaitel, Associated Press
World Dec 24 'Our hearts are in Bethlehem': Pope calls attention to victims of war at Christmas Eve Mass Recalling Jesus’ birth in a stable in Bethlehem, Pope Francis in a Christmas Eve homily said that “the clash of arms even today" prevents Jesus “from finding room in the world.”… By Associated Press
Dec 24 Watch 3:03 News Wrap: Hundreds killed in Gaza over weekend of airstrikes, heavy combat In our news wrap Sunday, Gaza saw some of the most intense and bloodiest fighting of the war this weekend, the streets of Bethlehem stood empty of crowds and festivities on Christmas Eve as celebrations were canceled amid the Israel-Hamas… Continue watching
Dec 24 Bethlehem resembles a ghost town on Christmas Eve, with celebrations halted due to Israel-Hamas war By Melanie Lidman, Associated Press The normally bustling biblical birthplace of Jesus resembled a ghost town on Sunday, as Christmas Eve celebrations in Bethlehem were called off due to the Israel-Hamas war. Continue reading
Dec 24 Bethlehem rebounds from pandemic, lifting Christmas spirits in West Bank By Maya Alleruzzo, Jalal Bwaitel, Associated Press The biblical town of Bethlehem marked a merry Christmas on Saturday, with thousands of visitors descending upon the traditional birthplace of Jesus as it rebounds from the coronavirus pandemic. Continue reading
Dec 24 Watch 3:45 News Wrap: Trump downplays idea of North Korean missile test In our news wrap Tuesday, President Trump is playing down the possibility of a “Christmas surprise” North Korean missile test. Pyongyang has warned of unspecified action if the U.S. does not ease sanctions by year’s end -- but Trump said… Continue watching
Dec 24 Christmas festivities begin in Bethlehem By Mohammed Daraghmeh, Associated Press The Church of the Nativity, where Christians believe Jesus was born, was set to host Palestinian dignitaries and pilgrims from around the world for a midnight Mass. Continue reading