Christmas is cancelled in Bethlehem. Palestinians in the biblical place of Jesus Christ's birth have this year decided to forego Christmas celebrations in solidarity with the Gazan plight as the Israel-Hamas war drags on even after weeks.

Israel-Hamas war: Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus Christ, cancels Christmas in solidarity with Gaza

St. Peter's Square would usually be full to the brim on Christmas Day of people who have travelled from all over the world gathering to hear Pope Francis give his "Urbi et Orbi" (to the city and the world) message.

Quiet Christmas: Coronavirus pandemic keeps crowds at home

The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Archbishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa, left Jerusalem on Thursday (December 24) for the West Bank town of Bethlehem to start muted Christmas festivities.

Bethlehem's Christmas in the time of COVID-19 pandemic