US President Trump's announcement unleashed clashes in Bethlehem - Subdued celebrations on Christmas
Bethlehem sources have stated that earlier on Bethlehem's Manger Square, hundreds of Palestinians and tourists gathered in the cold near a huge nativity scene and Christmas tree to watch the annual scout parade.
Meanwhile, the square usually throngs with tourists on Christmas Eve, but clashes between Palestinian protesters and the Israeli army in the past weeks have kept people away this year. Twelve Palestinians have been killed since Trump's declaration.
Moreover, it was stated that hundreds entered the church, chanting slogans calling for its demolition, destroying furniture and attacking worshippers before security forces restored order. Christmas decorations have meanwhile become more visible in Christian areas of the Syrian capital Damascus this year.
