In pictures: Bethlehem's sombre Christmas

Christmas celebrations are held in Bethlehem, but the events are marred by the Middle East conflict - with many tourists staying away and protests being staged over the absence of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat.

The Christmas procession was led by the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem

It attracted participants of all ages

And locals turned out to watch the festivities

Young Scouts provided a musical accompaniment

Trainee priests lined up to take part

In the Church of the Nativity people lit candles to mark Christ's birth

And the traditional nativity crib was given centre place

But most tourists stayed away amid security fears

Palestinians protested over Israel's travel ban on Yasser Arafat