(24 Dec 2023)
RESTRICTION SUMMARY:
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Bethlehem, West Bank - 24 December 2023
1. Wide of members of the Palestinian Security forces in Manger Square, Church of the Nativity in background
2. Mid of Nativity Church bell tower
3. Various of members of the Palestinian Security forces in Manger Square
4. Ambulance
5. Various of members of the Palestinian Security forces
6. Wide of worshipers and security
7. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Qustah Marzouqah, Bethlehem resident:
"Beyond a shadow of a doubt, this (Christmas ) is very different from all previous holidays. I mean, joy is non-existent, as people are very sad about what is happening in the homeland, in Gaza, from the killing, the displacement, martyrs, the hunger, the destruction of churches and the destruction of mosques, and unfortunately in silence from the whole world."
8. Set up of Safa Thaljieh, Bethlehem resident
9. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Safa Thaljieh, Bethlehem resident:
"Unfortunately, the atmosphere is sad, as you can see, there are no people and no tourists. The Church of the Nativity, Jesus' birthday, and the place of Jesus' birth is supposed to be the most crowded place, especially during the holiday period. Unfortunately, it is not like every year."
10. Safa entering Church of the Nativity
11. Various of empty streets and closed shops
12. Wide of art installation called "The Nativity Under the Rubble," and the Church of the Nativity in the background
STORYLINE:
Bethlehem is preparing for a subdued Christmas on Sunday, in the wake of the Israel-Hamas war, with all traditional Christmas Day events and concerts cancelled this year.
Manger Square stands empty of visitors, with a heavy presence of Palestinian security forces, as Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem is expected to arrive for midnight Mass.
Souvenir and gift shops have closed their doors due to the absence of tourists, as the ongoing conflict in Gaza has deterred visitors from coming to the city.
The cancellation of Christmas festivities, which typically draw thousands of visitors, is a severe blow to the town's tourism-dependent economy.
But joyous revelry is untenable for many here.
"Joy is non-existent, as people are very sad about what is happening in the homeland, in Gaza," said local resident Qustah Marzouqah.
Residents of Jesus’ biblical birthplace say sadness has replaced joy in the town, normally bustling this time of year.
On Saturday, Israeli military spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said forces were expanding their offensive in northern and southern Gaza and troops were fighting in “complex areas” in Khan Younis, Gaza’s second-largest city, where Israel believes Hamas leaders are hiding.
Israel’s offensive has been one of the most devastating military campaigns in recent history and has claimed a staggering toll on Palestinian civilians.
More than two-thirds of the 20,000 killed were women and children, according to the Health Ministry in Hamas-controlled Gaza, which does not differentiate between civilians and combatants.
AP Video shot by Imad Issied
Production: Jalal Bwaitel
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