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Gallery|Human Rights

A grim start to the new year in Bethlehem

Christmas celebrations were muted amid escalating clashes between Israelis and Palestinians in the historic city.

Bethlehem greetings/Please Dont Use.
Clashes between young Palestinians and Israeli forces near Israel's separation wall in Bethlehem have repeatedly erupted over the past few months. [Anne Paq/Al Jazeera]
By Anne Paq
Published On 10 Jan 201610 Jan 2016
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Bethlehem, occupied West Bank – Each year, tens of thousands of Christians make their way to the historic city of Bethlehem for Christmas.

Believed by Christians to be the birthplace of Jesus, Bethlehem’s Church of the Nativity is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the city’s Christmas mass is broadcast around the world. Tourists, diplomats and journalists flock to the church annually to see the nativity scene.

But Bethlehem has not been immune to the tensions between Palestinians and Israelis that have escalated over the past few months. Clashes on the streets of Bethlehem often last for hours, well into the night, as Palestinians hurl rocks and Israelis respond with tear gas and bullets.

On Christmas Eve, celebrations took place around Manger Square, but with a much smaller crowd. Although the Christmas mass was packed, the traditional fireworks celebration was cancelled as a sign of respect for the Palestinians who have died since the latest round of violence flared up in October.

On Christmas Day, young Palestinians again gathered to confront the Israeli army. Instead of fireworks and music, the dominant sounds were of tear gas canisters and bullets being fired – a grim start to the new year.

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The main streets of Bethlehem have been repeatedly clouded by tear gas launched by Israeli forces. [Anne Paq/Al Jazeera]
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Many hotels in Bethlehem, usually full around Christmas time, reported a reduction in business as a result of the ongoing clashes. [Anne Paq/Al Jazeera]
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A young Palestinian kicks away a tear gas canister during clashes in front of the five-star Jacir Palace Hotel, not far from the Israeli separation wall. Bethlehem Mayor Vera Baboun said that hotel occupancy in the city had not surpassed the 40 percent mark this year. [Anne Paq/Al Jazeera]
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A Palestinian protester equipped with a gas mask sits on a chair in a cloud of tear gas. [Anne Paq/Al Jazeera]
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Palestinian mourners touch the face of Moataz Zawahreh, 27, who was shot dead by Israeli forces during clashes in Bethlehem. [Anne Paq/Al Jazeera]
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Many of the clashes occur on one of the main streets located between Aida and al-Azzeh refugee camps. [Anne Paq/Al Jazeera]
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Palestinians look at their mobile phones while clashes unfold around them. [Anne Paq/Al Jazeera]
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A Palestinian dressed as Santa Claus walks in front of the separation wall during a protest. [Anne Paq/Al Jazeera]
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Scouts march through Bethlehem on Christmas Eve. [Anne Paq/Al Jazeera]
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Some Palestinians carried banners calling for people around the world to show solidarity with Palestine, demonstrating in Manger Square on Christmas Eve. [Anne Paq/Al Jazeera]
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The olive tree in the middle of Manger Square is viewed by Palestinians as a symbol of resistance. It is decorated with tear gas canisters and photos of Palestinian children who have been arrested. [Anne Paq/Al Jazeera]
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Scores of tear gas canisters have been fired at Palestinians during clashes, with the effects being felt at the nearby refugee camps of al-Azzeh and Aida. [Anne Paq/Al Jazeera]
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A Palestinian merchant awaits customers in Manger Square on Christmas Eve. The low number of visitors this year was a big blow to the local tourism industry. [Anne Paq/Al Jazeera]
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Young Palestinians throw stones on Christmas Day. [Anne Paq/Al Jazeera]

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