The mayor of Bethlehem said on Thursday that Christmas celebrations at Jesus’ birthplace will be limited to just a few people this year as Palestinian officials announced a new tight lock across the West Bank due to riots. coronal mach.
In an interview, Mayor Anton Salman said his town would hold a traditional reception for the Latin Patriarch, who usually greets children’s marching bands when he arrives from nearby Jerusalem. But he said the scout bands would be restricted to local residents only because of the new locking restrictions.
A Palestinian salesman stands in front of his shop near the Theological Church in the West Bank city of Bethlehem
(Photo: AP)
“We will monitor all health protocols in terms of social distance, wearing masks and safety measures to prevent the transmission of the virus,” he said. He said the number of participants will be ” less than a dozen, as the number will be very limited. “
Christmas time is usually the main event of the year in Bethlehem, where Christians believe Jesus was born, as thousands of pilgrims from around the world gather around the famous route. Their Christmas and attend religious services at the Theological Church. But the coronavirus has damaged the tourism industry, and shops, restaurants and hotels are closed.
With the number of coronavirus cases soaring, Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh on Thursday announced plans for a new lockout across the West Bank. Restrictions include night invitations starting at 7pm and a full 24 hour lockdown on Friday and Saturday, Palestine weekends. Most businesses will be closed during the invitations, and most travel between cities is prohibited.
Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh
(Photo: EPA)
Shtayyeh said arrangements for prayers are still being made. But Midnight Mass is likely to be limited to religious leaders and a handful of honorable people.
Salman said the restrictions mean people from elsewhere on the West Bank or nearby Israel will not be allowed to enter the city for Christmas. He said Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas had been invited, but the 85-year-old leader decided not to attend because of the health condition.
Palestinian officials on Thursday reported 1,134 new cases of coronavirus, bringing the total number of infections in Palestinian territories on the West Bank to 86,594. More than 860 Palestinians in the region have died.