In fact, there is no Christmas tree at all. Bethlehem is facing its second bleak Christmas since the outbreak of the war in Gaza — leaving faith leaders and residents grappling with how to mark the festive holiday while fellow Palestinians continue to be ...

Some say that the community is in danger of losing its 1,600-year foothold in the enclave and that it is far from certain those who have fled will ever feel safe enough to return home.

Bethlehem prepared Tuesday to mark another somber Christmas in the traditional birthplace of Jesus under the shadow of war in Gaza. The excitement and cheer that typically descends on the Palestinian town in the occupied West Bank on Christmas were nowhere to be found: The festive lights and giant tree that normally decorate Manger Square were missing.