![Palestinian marching band parade near the Church of the Nativity ahead of the Christmas in Bethlehem, West Bank on December 24, 2016 [Issam Rimawi / Anadolu Agency]](https://i0.wp.com/www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/20161224_2_20909478_17349904.jpg?fit=920%2C613&ssl=1)
Read: Mahmoud Abbas: Christmas is ‘a Palestinian call for hope and justice’
![People visit the Church of the Nativity, which is traditionally considered to be located over the cave that marks the birthplace of Jesus, ahead of the Christmas in Bethlehem, West Bank on December 24, 2016 [Issam Rimawi / Anadolu Agency]](https://i0.wp.com/www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/20161224_2_20909324_17349408.jpg?w=610&h=407&ssl=1 "palestinian christians BETHLEHEM, WEST BANK - DECEMBER 24: People visit the Church of t")
People visit the Church of the Nativity, which is traditionally considered to be located over the cave that marks the birthplace of Jesus, ahead of the Christmas in Bethlehem, West Bank on December 24, 2016 [Issam Rimawi / Anadolu Agency]
![People light candles at the Church of the Nativity, which is traditionally considered to be located over the cave that marks the birthplace of Jesus, ahead of the Christmas in Bethlehem, West Bank on December 24, 2016 [Issam Rimawi / Anadolu Agency]](https://i0.wp.com/www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/20161224_2_20909324_17349409.jpg?w=302&h=202&ssl=1 "palestinian christians BETHLEHEM, WEST BANK - DECEMBER 24: People light candles at the")
People light candles at the Church of the Nativity, which is traditionally considered to be located over the cave that marks the birthplace of Jesus, ahead of the Christmas in Bethlehem, West Bank on December 24, 2016 [Issam Rimawi / Anadolu Agency]
![People light candles at the Church of the Nativity, which is traditionally considered to be located over the cave that marks the birthplace of Jesus, ahead of the Christmas in Bethlehem, West Bank on December 24, 2016 [Issam Rimawi / Anadolu Agency]](https://i0.wp.com/www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/20161224_2_20909324_17349410.jpg?w=302&h=201&ssl=1 "palestinian christians BETHLEHEM, WEST BANK - DECEMBER 24: People light candles at the")
People light candles at the Church of the Nativity, which is traditionally considered to be located over the cave that marks the birthplace of Jesus, ahead of the Christmas in Bethlehem, West Bank on December 24, 2016 [Issam Rimawi / Anadolu Agency]
![People light candles at the Church of the Nativity, which is traditionally considered to be located over the cave that marks the birthplace of Jesus, ahead of the Christmas in Bethlehem, West Bank on December 24, 2016 [Issam Rimawi / Anadolu Agency]](https://i0.wp.com/www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/20161224_2_20909324_17349411.jpg?w=303&h=202&ssl=1 "palestinian christians BETHLEHEM, WEST BANK - DECEMBER 24: People light candles at the")
People light candles at the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, West Bank [Issam Rimawi / Anadolu Agency]
![People light candles at the Church of the Nativity, which is traditionally considered to be located over the cave that marks the birthplace of Jesus, ahead of the Christmas in Bethlehem, West Bank on December 24, 2016 [Issam Rimawi / Anadolu Agency]](https://i0.wp.com/www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/20161224_2_20909324_17349412.jpg?w=303&h=202&ssl=1 "palestinian christians BETHLEHEM, WEST BANK - DECEMBER 24: People light candles at the")
People light candles at the Church of the Nativity, which is traditionally considered to be located over the cave that marks the birthplace of Jesus, ahead of the Christmas in Bethlehem, West Bank on December 24, 2016 [Issam Rimawi / Anadolu Agency]
![Palestinian marching band parade near the Church of the Nativity ahead of the Christmas in Bethlehem, West Bank on December 24, 2016 [Issam Rimawi / Anadolu Agency]](https://i0.wp.com/www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/20161224_2_20909478_17349897.jpg?w=302&h=202&ssl=1 "palestinian christians BETHLEHEM, WEST BANK - DECEMBER 24: Palestinian marching band pa")
Palestinian marching band parade near the Church of the Nativity ahead of the Christmas in Bethlehem, West Bank on December 24, 2016 [Issam Rimawi / Anadolu Agency]
![Palestinian marching band parade near the Church of the Nativity ahead of the Christmas in Bethlehem, West Bank on December 24, 2016 [Issam Rimawi / Anadolu Agency]](https://i0.wp.com/www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/20161224_2_20909478_17349898.jpg?w=302&h=202&ssl=1 "palestinian christians BETHLEHEM, WEST BANK - DECEMBER 24: Palestinian marching band pa")
Palestinian marching band parade near the Church of the Nativity ahead of the Christmas in Bethlehem, West Bank on December 24, 2016 [Issam Rimawi / Anadolu Agency]
![Palestinian marching band parade near the Church of the Nativity ahead of the Christmas in Bethlehem, West Bank on December 24, 2016 [Issam Rimawi / Anadolu Agency]](https://i0.wp.com/www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/20161224_2_20909478_17349899.jpg?w=302&h=201&ssl=1 "palestinian christians BETHLEHEM, WEST BANK - DECEMBER 24: Palestinian marching band pa")
Palestinian marching band parade near the Church of the Nativity ahead of the Christmas in Bethlehem, West Bank on December 24, 2016 [Issam Rimawi / Anadolu Agency]
![Palestinian marching band parade near the Church of the Nativity ahead of the Christmas in Bethlehem, West Bank on December 24, 2016 [Issam Rimawi / Anadolu Agency]](https://i0.wp.com/www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/20161224_2_20909478_17349900.jpg?w=610&h=407&ssl=1 "palestinian christians BETHLEHEM, WEST BANK - DECEMBER 24: Palestinian marching band pa")
Palestinian marching band parade near the Church of the Nativity ahead of the Christmas in Bethlehem, West Bank on December 24, 2016 [Issam Rimawi / Anadolu Agency]
![Palestinian marching band parade near the Church of the Nativity ahead of the Christmas in Bethlehem, West Bank on December 24, 2016 [Issam Rimawi / Anadolu Agency]](https://i0.wp.com/www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/20161224_2_20909478_17349901.jpg?w=456&h=304&ssl=1 "palestinian christians BETHLEHEM, WEST BANK - DECEMBER 24: Palestinian marching band pa")
Palestinian marching band parade near the Church of the Nativity ahead of the Christmas in Bethlehem, West Bank on December 24, 2016 [Issam Rimawi / Anadolu Agency]
![Palestinian marching band parade near the Church of the Nativity ahead of the Christmas in Bethlehem, West Bank on December 24, 2016 [Issam Rimawi / Anadolu Agency]](https://i0.wp.com/www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/20161224_2_20909478_17349902.jpg?w=456&h=304&ssl=1 "palestinian christians BETHLEHEM, WEST BANK - DECEMBER 24: Palestinian marching band pa")
Palestinian marching band parade near the Church of the Nativity ahead of the Christmas in Bethlehem, West Bank on December 24, 2016 [Issam Rimawi / Anadolu Agency]
![Palestinian marching band parade near the Church of the Nativity ahead of the Christmas in Bethlehem, West Bank on December 24, 2016 [Issam Rimawi / Anadolu Agency]](https://i0.wp.com/www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/20161224_2_20909478_17349903.jpg?w=610&h=407&ssl=1 "palestinian christians BETHLEHEM, WEST BANK - DECEMBER 24: Palestinian marching band pa")
Palestinian marching band parade near the Church of the Nativity ahead of the Christmas in Bethlehem, West Bank on December 24, 2016 [Issam Rimawi / Anadolu Agency]
![Palestinian marching band parade near the Church of the Nativity ahead of the Christmas in Bethlehem, West Bank on December 24, 2016 [Issam Rimawi / Anadolu Agency]](https://i0.wp.com/www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/20161224_2_20909478_17349904.jpg?w=302&h=202&ssl=1 "palestinian christians BETHLEHEM, WEST BANK - DECEMBER 24: Palestinian marching band pa")
Palestinian marching band parade near the Church of the Nativity ahead of the Christmas in Bethlehem, West Bank on December 24, 2016 [Issam Rimawi / Anadolu Agency]
![Palestinian marching band parade near the Church of the Nativity ahead of the Christmas in Bethlehem, West Bank on December 24, 2016 [Issam Rimawi / Anadolu Agency]](https://i0.wp.com/www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/20161224_2_20909478_17349905.jpg?w=302&h=201&ssl=1 "palestinian christians BETHLEHEM, WEST BANK - DECEMBER 24: Palestinian marching band pa")
Palestinian marching band parade near the Church of the Nativity ahead of the Christmas in Bethlehem, West Bank on December 24, 2016 [Issam Rimawi / Anadolu Agency]
![Palestinian marching band parade near the Church of the Nativity ahead of the Christmas in Bethlehem, West Bank on December 24, 2016 [Issam Rimawi / Anadolu Agency]](https://i0.wp.com/www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/20161224_2_20909478_17349906.jpg?w=916&h=611&ssl=1 "palestinian christians BETHLEHEM, WEST BANK - DECEMBER 24: Palestinian marching band pa")
Palestinian marching band parade near the Church of the Nativity ahead of the Christmas in Bethlehem, West Bank on December 24, 2016 [Issam Rimawi / Anadolu Agency]
Read: Israeli rabbis launch war on Christmas tree
![People watch Palestinian marching band's parade near the Church of the Nativity ahead of the Christmas in Bethlehem, West Bank on December 24, 2016 [Issam Rimawi / Anadolu Agency]](https://i0.wp.com/www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/20161224_2_20909478_17349907.jpg?w=610&h=407&ssl=1 "palestinian christians BETHLEHEM, WEST BANK - DECEMBER 24: People watch Palestinian mar")
People watch Palestinian marching band’s parade near the Church of the Nativity ahead of the Christmas in Bethlehem, West Bank on December 24, 2016 [Issam Rimawi / Anadolu Agency]
![Palestinian security member is seen as Palestinian marching band parade near the Church of the Nativity ahead of the Christmas in Bethlehem, West Bank on December 24, 2016 [Issam Rimawi / Anadolu Agency]](https://i0.wp.com/www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/20161224_2_20909478_17349908.jpg?w=302&h=202&ssl=1 "BETHLEHEM, WEST BANK - DECEMBER 24: Palistinian security member")
Palestinian security member is seen as Palestinian marching band parade near the Church of the Nativity ahead of the Christmas in Bethlehem, West Bank on December 24, 2016 [Issam Rimawi / Anadolu Agency]
![People watch Palestinian marching band's parade near the Church of the Nativity ahead of the Christmas in Bethlehem, West Bank on December 24, 2016 [Issam Rimawi / Anadolu Agency]](https://i0.wp.com/www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/20161224_2_20909478_17349909.jpg?w=302&h=201&ssl=1 "palestinian christians BETHLEHEM, WEST BANK - DECEMBER 24: People watch Palestinian mar")
People watch Palestinian marching band’s parade near the Church of the Nativity ahead of the Christmas in Bethlehem, West Bank on December 24, 2016 [Issam Rimawi / Anadolu Agency]
![People watch Palestinian marching band's parade near the Church of the Nativity ahead of the Christmas in Bethlehem, West Bank on December 24, 2016 [Issam Rimawi / Anadolu Agency]](https://i0.wp.com/www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/20161224_2_20909478_17349910.jpg?w=303&h=202&ssl=1 "palestinian christians BETHLEHEM, WEST BANK - DECEMBER 24: People watch Palestinian mar")
People watch Palestinian marching band’s parade near the Church of the Nativity ahead of the Christmas in Bethlehem, West Bank on December 24, 2016 [Issam Rimawi / Anadolu Agency]
![Palestinian marching band parade near the Church of the Nativity ahead of the Christmas in Bethlehem, West Bank on December 24, 2016 [Issam Rimawi / Anadolu Agency]](https://i0.wp.com/www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/20161224_2_20909478_17349911.jpg?w=303&h=202&ssl=1 "palestinian christians BETHLEHEM, WEST BANK - DECEMBER 24: Palestinian marching band pa")
Palestinian marching band parade near the Church of the Nativity ahead of the Christmas in Bethlehem, West Bank on December 24, 2016 [Issam Rimawi / Anadolu Agency]
![People watch Palestinian marching band's parade near the Church of the Nativity ahead of the Christmas in Bethlehem, West Bank on December 24, 2016 [Issam Rimawi / Anadolu Agency]](https://i0.wp.com/www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/20161224_2_20909478_17349912.jpg?w=302&h=202&ssl=1 "BETHLEHEM, WEST BANK - DECEMBER 24: People watch Palestinian mar")
People watch Palestinian marching band’s parade near the Church of the Nativity ahead of the Christmas in Bethlehem, West Bank on December 24, 2016 [Issam Rimawi / Anadolu Agency]
![People watch Palestinian marching band's parade near the Church of the Nativity ahead of the Christmas in Bethlehem, West Bank on December 24, 2016 [Issam Rimawi / Anadolu Agency]](https://i0.wp.com/www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/20161224_2_20909478_17349913.jpg?w=302&h=202&ssl=1 "palestinian christians BETHLEHEM, WEST BANK - DECEMBER 24: People watch Palestinian mar")
People watch Palestinian marching band’s parade near the Church of the Nativity ahead of the Christmas in Bethlehem, West Bank on December 24, 2016 [Issam Rimawi / Anadolu Agency]
![Priests are seen near the Church of the Nativity ahead of the Christmas in Bethlehem, West Bank on December 24, 2016 [Issam Rimawi / Anadolu Agency]](https://i0.wp.com/www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/20161224_2_20909942_17350793.jpg?w=302&h=201&ssl=1 "palestinian christians BETHLEHEM, WEST BANK - DECEMBER 24: Priests are seen near the Ch")
Priests are seen near the Church of the Nativity ahead of the Christmas in Bethlehem, West Bank on December 24, 2016 [Issam Rimawi / Anadolu Agency]
![Priests are seen near the Church of the Nativity ahead of the Christmas in Bethlehem, West Bank on December 24, 2016 [Issam Rimawi / Anadolu Agency]](https://i0.wp.com/www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/20161224_2_20909942_17350794.jpg?w=610&h=407&ssl=1 "palestinian christians BETHLEHEM, WEST BANK - DECEMBER 24: Priests are seen near the Ch")
Priests are seen near the Church of the Nativity ahead of the Christmas in Bethlehem, West Bank on December 24, 2016 [Issam Rimawi / Anadolu Agency]
![Priests are seen near the Church of the Nativity ahead of the Christmas in Bethlehem, West Bank on December 24, 2016 [Issam Rimawi / Anadolu Agency]](https://i0.wp.com/www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/20161224_2_20909942_17350795.jpg?w=456&h=304&ssl=1 "palestinian christians BETHLEHEM, WEST BANK - DECEMBER 24: Priests are seen near the Ch")
Priests are seen near the Church of the Nativity ahead of the Christmas in Bethlehem, West Bank on December 24, 2016 [Issam Rimawi / Anadolu Agency]
![Archbishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa (C), apostolic administrator of the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem attends the religious mass near the Church of the Nativity ahead of the Christmas in Bethlehem, West Bank on December 24, 2016 [Issam Rimawi / Anadolu Agency]](https://i0.wp.com/www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/20161224_2_20909942_17350796.jpg?w=456&h=304&ssl=1 "palestinian christians BETHLEHEM, WEST BANK - DECEMBER 24: Archbishop Pierbattista Pizz")
Archbishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa (C), apostolic administrator of the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem attends the religious mass near the Church of the Nativity ahead of the Christmas in Bethlehem, West Bank on December 24, 2016 [Issam Rimawi / Anadolu Agency]
![Archbishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa (C), apostolic administrator of the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem attends the religious mass near the Church of the Nativity ahead of the Christmas in Bethlehem, West Bank on December 24, 2016 [Issam Rimawi / Anadolu Agency]](https://i0.wp.com/www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/20161224_2_20909942_17350797.jpg?w=610&h=407&ssl=1 "palestinian christians BETHLEHEM, WEST BANK - DECEMBER 24: Archbishop Pierbattista Pizz")
Archbishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa (C), apostolic administrator of the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem attends the religious mass near the Church of the Nativity ahead of the Christmas in Bethlehem, West Bank on December 24, 2016 [Issam Rimawi / Anadolu Agency]
![Archbishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa (C), apostolic administrator of the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem attends the religious mass near the Church of the Nativity ahead of the Christmas in Bethlehem, West Bank on December 24, 2016 [Issam Rimawi / Anadolu Agency]](https://i0.wp.com/www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/20161224_2_20909942_17350798.jpg?w=302&h=202&ssl=1 "palestinian christians BETHLEHEM, WEST BANK - DECEMBER 24: Archbishop Pierbattista Pizz")
Archbishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa (C), apostolic administrator of the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem attends the religious mass near the Church of the Nativity ahead of the Christmas in Bethlehem, West Bank on December 24, 2016 [Issam Rimawi / Anadolu Agency]
![Archbishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa (C), apostolic administrator of the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem attends the religious mass near the Church of the Nativity ahead of the Christmas in Bethlehem, West Bank on December 24, 2016 [Issam Rimawi / Anadolu Agency]](https://i0.wp.com/www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/20161224_2_20909942_17350799.jpg?w=302&h=201&ssl=1 "palestinian christians BETHLEHEM, WEST BANK - DECEMBER 24: Archbishop Pierbattista Pizz")
Archbishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa (C), apostolic administrator of the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem attends the religious mass near the Church of the Nativity ahead of the Christmas in Bethlehem, West Bank on December 24, 2016 [Issam Rimawi / Anadolu Agency]
![Archbishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa (C), apostolic administrator of the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem attends the religious mass near the Church of the Nativity ahead of the Christmas in Bethlehem, West Bank on December 24, 2016 [Issam Rimawi / Anadolu Agency]](https://i0.wp.com/www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/20161224_2_20909942_17350800.jpg?w=303&h=202&ssl=1 "palestinian christians BETHLEHEM, WEST BANK - DECEMBER 24: Archbishop Pierbattista Pizz")
Archbishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa (C), apostolic administrator of the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem attends the religious mass near the Church of the Nativity ahead of the Christmas in Bethlehem, West Bank on December 24, 2016 [Issam Rimawi / Anadolu Agency]
![Archbishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa (C), apostolic administrator of the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem attends the religious mass near the Church of the Nativity ahead of the Christmas in Bethlehem, West Bank on December 24, 2016 [Issam Rimawi / Anadolu Agency]](https://i0.wp.com/www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/20161224_2_20909942_17350801.jpg?w=303&h=202&ssl=1 "palestinian christians BETHLEHEM, WEST BANK - DECEMBER 24: Archbishop Pierbattista Pizz")
Archbishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa (C), apostolic administrator of the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem attends the religious mass near the Church of the Nativity ahead of the Christmas in Bethlehem, West Bank on December 24, 2016 [Issam Rimawi / Anadolu Agency]
![Archbishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa (C), apostolic administrator of the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem attends the religious mass near the Church of the Nativity ahead of the Christmas in Bethlehem, West Bank on December 24, 2016 [Issam Rimawi / Anadolu Agency]](https://i0.wp.com/www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/20161224_2_20909942_17350802.jpg?w=302&h=202&ssl=1 "palestinian christians BETHLEHEM, WEST BANK - DECEMBER 24: Archbishop Pierbattista Pizz")
Archbishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa (C), apostolic administrator of the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem attends the religious mass near the Church of the Nativity ahead of the Christmas in Bethlehem, West Bank on December 24, 2016 [Issam Rimawi / Anadolu Agency]
![Archbishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa (C), apostolic administrator of the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem attends the religious mass near the Church of the Nativity ahead of the Christmas in Bethlehem, West Bank on December 24, 2016 [Issam Rimawi / Anadolu Agency]](https://i0.wp.com/www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/20161224_2_20909942_17350803.jpg?w=456&h=304&ssl=1 "palestinian christians BETHLEHEM, WEST BANK - DECEMBER 24: Archbishop Pierbattista Pizz")
Archbishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa (C), apostolic administrator of the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem attends the religious mass near the Church of the Nativity ahead of the Christmas in Bethlehem, West Bank on December 24, 2016 [Issam Rimawi / Anadolu Agency]
![People are seen near the Church of the Nativity ahead of the Christmas in Bethlehem, West Bank on December 24, 2016 [Issam Rimawi / Anadolu Agency]](https://i0.wp.com/www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/20161224_2_20909942_17350804.jpg?w=456&h=304&ssl=1 "palestinian christians BETHLEHEM, WEST BANK - DECEMBER 24: People are seen near the Chu")
People are seen near the Church of the Nativity ahead of the Christmas in Bethlehem, West Bank on December 24, 2016 [Issam Rimawi / Anadolu Agency]