BBC News | MIDDLE EAST | In pictures: Bethlehem's sombre Christmas

BBC News Online: World: Middle East

Tuesday, 25 December, 2001, 02:08 GMT

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.

Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Michel Sabbah

Children dressed as Father Christmas join Bethlehem Christmas procession

Girl holding Christmas balloon in Bethlehem

Scouts playing the bagpipes in Bethlehem

Trainee priests in Bethlehem

Child lighting a candle in Bethlehem

A boy arranges crib figures in Bethlehem

People gather in front of the Church of the Nativity

Protests in Bethlehem

Related to this story:
Christians quit Christ's birthplace (24 Dec 01 | Middle East)

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