Palestinian scouts played the drums and bagpipes during Christmas celebrations in the occupied West Bank city of Bethlehem, but this year, tourists have kept away.
Ongoing protests across the West Bank and Gaza Strip against US President Donald Trump’s decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital have been met with tear gas and live ammunition by Israeli forces.
#ChristmasEve atmosphere in Palestine ??
Palestinians celebrating #Christmas with a traditional clothes in Bethlehem city . pic.twitter.com/06Tx0MP2PY— Ÿousef?? (@Joo_Gaza) December 26, 2017
In a Christmas message on Monday, Pope Francis called for a negotiated two-state solution to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Hundreds of Palestinians and tourists gathered in Bethlehem’s Manger Square as temperatures dropped, to watch the annual scout parade under Christmas lights and decorated trees.
The Armenian scouts from #Jerusalem raising the flag of #Palestine today in #Bethlehem #Christmas ????? pic.twitter.com/pJxPbjsnuC
— Xavier Abu Eid (@xabueid) December 24, 2017
They took pictures as a marching band made its way through the square towards the Church of the Nativity, built over the spot where it is believed Mary gave birth to Jesus.
Bethlehem, normally brimming with tourists at this time of year, has been almost empty of visitors due to the ongoing confrontations between Israeli forces and Palestinian protesters in the wake of the US decision.
Palestinian Christians living in #Bethlehem send a message to @realDonaldTrump :
"You should study the history , Jesus was a Palestinian middle eastern"#GroupPalestine pic.twitter.com/79HRLvpL2v— Razan ?? (@razan_palestine) December 25, 2017
Since Trump’s announcement, at least 15 people have been killed across the occupied Palestinian territories, more than 2,900 people injured and more than 500 jailed.
(Aljazeera, PC, Social Media)
