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December 2, 2008 12:05:46 PM CST

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A Peaceful Xmas in Bethlehem

Posted Dec 25, 07 6:09 AM CST in World 

(Newser) – This Christmas a huge number of tourists and pilgrims have made their way to Bethlehem, five miles south of Jerusalem in the West Bank. The mayor of the town of Jesus' birth predicted at least 65,000 visitors this Christmas, quadruple the figure just two years ago, CTV reports. The slow peace process has revived tourism in the West Bank. "The atmosphere is better," said one shopkeeper. "There is relative calm, from the security standpoint."

While the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip continues to see violence, the Fatah-governed West Bank is at its calmest since the 2000 intifada. The site where Jesus was born is holy to both Christians and Muslims, and Mahmoud Abbas was in attendance at yesterday's Christmas mass. "We hope that this year will be the year of independence for the Palestinian people," he said.

Source CTV

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A Palestinian security force officer stands guard as Christians gather outside the Church of the Nativity, traditionally believed by many to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ, in Manger Square during...   (Associated Press)
Christian pilgrims are seen in the Church of the Nativity, traditionally believed by many to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ, in the biblical West Bank town of Bethlehem, Monday, Dec. 24, 2007. Gloom...   (Associated Press)
Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Michel Sabbah arrives for the Christmas Mass in St. Catherine Church at the Church of the Nativity, traditionally believed by many to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ, during...   (Associated Press)
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, left, attends the Christmas Mass in St. Catherine Church at the Church of the Nativity, traditionally believed by many to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ,...   (Associated Press)
A Palestinian Christian girl holds a Santa Claus-shaped balloon as she stands in the Church of the Nativity, traditionally believed by many to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ, in the biblical West Bank...   (Associated Press)
The Latin Patriarch Michel Sabbah, the Roman Catholic Church's highest official in the Holy Land, center, leads the procession to the Church of the Nativity, traditionally believed by many to be the birthplace...   (Associated Press)
A young Palestinian Christian boy dressed like Santa Claus leads a marching band to the Church of the Nativity, traditionally believed by many to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ, during Christmas festivities...   (Associated Press)
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