you're going to show us the church today? >> the church of the nativity. the church originally goes back to the sixth century and then it was made smaller to the point of art in the middle, and afterwards the door was made much smaller at this level going back to the 16th century. >> the entrance became what was called the door of humility in the year 1500 during the ottoman empire. it was meant to ensure that those entering the basilica first dismounted their horses, but the small passageway has ensured humility by forcing visitors to bow before entering the site where god became man. >> this is the main part of the church. this church was built on the fourth century, 325 a.d. the second comes the one you see today is that from 540 a.d. >> for the most part, that's one of the youngest churches in the world. >> a silver manger was installed, most of the original design was destroyed in 529 a.d. during the samaritan rebellion. >> the church is a nativity with three different denominations. each day for the catholic church at 12 noon there is a procession do

the fourth century church of the nativity and the adjoining church of saint catherine housing a franciscan monastery. at the end is the mosque of omar ♪ it is the formation of the modern state of israel in 1948. manger square has often been the stage where key conflicts played out. defining key moments in its history. the six day war to a five-week siege by palestinian islamists in 2002 which began in manger square. ♪ as a violent second and launches a defensive shield and entered bethlehem to capture suspected palestinian terrorists, dozens of them fled to manger square and entered the church. the israeli government claimed that they were held hostage by the gunmen. the siege lasted 39 days until a deal was eventually reached allowing the hostages to be released in the islamists to surrender. ♪ the square is best known, however, for the manger that it is named after and the christian celebrations that continue to make it a magnet for pilgrims even as the number continues to dwindle. >> kati's future was waiting for her in the big apple. [♪] if you experience bladder leaks, you sho

straight at the church of the nativity. friday afternoon prayers, in case there is any questions as to whether this is a christian or muslim city. the majority population here in bethlehem by far. ♪ >> in many ways, the square in the center of bethlehem in one of its top tourist destinations is the defining system, symbol for the historical divine between christianity and islam. and the adjoining church of st. catherine housing a monastery. completed in 1860 and named for the second column, omar bin al cutoff. since israel, key conflicts played out, defining crucial moments in its history from the six-day war in 1967 to a five week siege by palestinian islamists in 52 which began in major square. as the second raged, israeli launched its defense shield and urged bethlehem to capture a suspected palestinian terrorists. dozens of them fled to major square and entered the church. they claimed that over 200 months and visitors were held hostage by the gunmen as israeli defense moved in. they eventually had hostages released a

church of the nativity it's also very quiet. there are no more long lines to enter the grow 2 of the nativity this is the star marks the spot where jesus is said to have been born. he said is only paying a sword visit to bethlehem but he still wants to visit the crash in front of the church of the nativity and is sent to suit he attracts attention wherever he goes. remember secretive and only men like to record but i want to know if the word rug. well. it's time for is said to return to choose but there's always time for a quick photo to. in jerusalem people are also waiting for santa but 1st he must pass through the israeli checkpoint. even ng is falling on this city it's time to open the doors of centers house seeing said nic is always a thrill especially during a pandemic and for the use of. any on the xenon of i came to santas house so my children could get to know father christmas this year there have hardly been any other activities in town so at least we can meet him and take a few photos with him and get into the spirit

church of the nativity it's also very quiet. there are no more long lines to enter the grotto of the nativity this is the star marks the spot where jesus is said to have been born. he said is only paying a sort visit to bethlehem but he still wants to visit the crash in front of the church of the nativity and is sent to suit he attracts attention wherever he goes. remember from christmas and a holy man why this record i want to know if there were a rug. from the hotel where. it's time for is said to return to choose but there's always time for a quick photo to. in jerusalem people are also waiting for santa but 1st you must pass through the israeli checkpoint up. even ng is falling on this city it's time to open the doors of centers house seeing said nic is always a thrill especially during a pandemic when folks only use the. n.p.r. museum not of my came to santas house so my children could get to know father christmas this year there have hardly been any other activities in town so at least we can meet him and take a few photos

more muted celebrations at the church of the nativity here's need a perhaps reports. it didn't look a lot like christmas this year in bethlehem celebrations were strict. to the bare minimum as covered $1000.00 cases search. only if you were shippers were allowed to attend the midnight mass in the church of the nativity the pandemic with with its burden of suffering and the. 6 to imagine a different world made up of new so he dug a team and for a 1100 nation ships were processing the sort of place by giving. and they were all full of a few becomes a benefit for every one. the palestinian president and many foreign diplomats didn't join the christmas service. but the day started with a low key reception of the latin patriarch of jerusalem a procession to welcome him back thousands this year he gave his blessings from a distance. behind the advent of has seen and you can feel the town's sadness this is not how christmas looks it's also the 1st time that we didn't attend the christmas tree lighting ceremony. bells stein's 1st cases of covered $1000.00 which reported in be

the church of the nativity is right around the corner from jack. people here are saying it hasn't been so empty since before the crusades . this footage is from 2019 when 3000000 tourists came to bethlehem. visitors often waited in line for hours to enter the grotto of the nativity in the church's crypt. it was built at the spot where jesus is said to have been born. now we have the chapel all to ourselves. we can relish in the beauty and the tranquility but it also feel sad and lonely. and in the afternoon a funeral procession passes by jacques shah. more than 50 covert related deaths have been registered in bethlehem and thousands of cases bethlehem was the 1st city in the palestinian territories to see an outbreak it's thought the virus was brought here by tourists a strict lockdown was imposed in march the ensuing economic crisis forced jack to get inventive he recently began selling his wooden figures online that was quite an innovation for a rather traditional business and it's brought with it new complications. i stopped the fellow mother an

the church of the nativity is right around the corner from jack. people here are saying it hasn't been so empty since before the crusades. this footage is from 2019 when 3000000 tourists came to bethlehem. visitors often waited in line for hours to enter the grotto of the nativity in the church's crypt. it was built at the spot where jesus is said to have been born. now we have the chapel all to ourselves. we can relish in the beauty and the tranquility but it also feels sad and lonely. in the afternoon a funeral procession passes by jack shot. more than 50 covert related deaths have been registered in bethlehem and thousands of cases bethlehem was the 1st city in the palestinian territories to see an outbreak it's thought the virus was brought here by tourists a strict lockdown was imposed in march. the ensuing economic crisis forced jack to get inventive he recently began selling his wooden figures online that was quite an innovation for a rather traditional business and it's brought with it new complications. i stopped to develop mother and i an

the church of the nativity is right around the corner from jack. people here are saying it hasn't been so empty since before the crusades. this footage is from 2019 when 3000000 tourists came to bethlehem. visitors often waited in line for hours to enter the grotto of the nativity in the church's crypt. it was built at the spot where jesus is said to have been born. now we have the chapel all to ourselves. we can relish in the beauty and the tranquility but it also feels sad and lonely. and in the afternoon a funeral procession passes by jacques shah. more than 50 covert related deaths have been registered in bethlehem and thousands of cases bethlehem was the 1st city in the palestinian territories to see an outbreak it's thought the virus was brought here by tourists a strict lockdown was imposed in march the ensuing economic crisis forced jack to get inventive he recently began selling his wooden figures online that was quite an innovation for a rather traditional business and it's brought with it new complications. i stopped to develop mother an

at the church of the nativity though as it ever reports. it didn't look a lot like christmas this year in bethlehem celebrations were restricted to the bare minimum as covered $1000.00 cases search. only if you were shippers were allowed to attend the midnight mass in the church of the nativity the pandemic with the with its burden of suffering and then. asks us to imagine a different more. made up of new so he dug a team and for 3100 nations sheeps were persisting the sort of place by giving. and they were in full for a few becomes a benefit for everyone. palestinian president and many foreign diplomats did enjoying the christmas service. the day started with a low key reception of the latin patriarch of jerusalem a procession to welcome him usually attracts thousands this year he gave his blessings from a distance. yanni you can feel the town sadness this is not what christmas looks like it's also the 1st time we didn't attend the christmas tree lighting ceremony. bells stein's 1st cases of covered 1000 we have reported in bethlehem in ma

church of the nativity it's also very quiet. there are no more long lines to enter the grotto of the nativity this is the star marks the spot where jesus is said to have been born. he said it is only paying a sort visit to bethlehem but he still wants to visit the crash in front of the church of the nativity and is sent to suit he attracts attention wherever he goes. remember secretive and only men like to record by while with the word rug. from the hotel where. it's time for is said to return to choose but there's always time for a quick photo to. in jerusalem people are also waiting for santa but 1st he must pass through the israeli checkpoint up. even ng is falling on this city it's time to open the doors of centers house seeing said nic is always a thrill especially during a pandemic don't follow the rules or. any on the xenon of my came to santa his house so my children could get to know father christmas this year there have hardly been any other activities in town so at least we can meet him and take a few photos with him

here at the church of the nativity, where it's believed jesus was born on this spot. there's no crowds, no choir singing and just a precious few of the faith. but for those that speak for bethlehem's local government, it's an opportunity to get closer to the teachings of christ. >> this year we go to the essence of the christmas, we go inside ourselves. think about the spirit of christmas. the religious meaning of christmas. we think, and we feel with our beloved ones having family and friends safe is christmas. especial headline in the situation. >> it's a really beautiful thing to say, that the spirit of christmas is keeping each other safe. >> true. >> with coronavirus infection still rising across bethlehem, midnight mass has also had to be scaled back. >> merry christmas. and the closest many will get to the annual tree lighting ceremony will be by watching it online via a live feed. digitally bringing light in to a world that this year, has seen so much darkness. >>> and that's the "overnight news" for >>> it's wednesday, december 9th, 2020. this is the "cbs mor

in bethlehem who has more on this year's midnight mass at the church of the nativity. it didn't look a lot like christmas this year in bethlehem celebrations were restricted to the beer minimum was covered 19 cases searched. only few were shippers were allowed to attend the midnight mass in the church of the nativity the 10 day meet with the with its burden of suffering and this. was to imagine a different more. made up of new so he dug a team in for 1100 ition feet where assessing the sort of place by leaving. and they were in school for a few becomes a benefit for everyone. the palestinian president and many foreign diplomats didn't join the christmas service. the day started with a low key reception of the latin patriarch of jerusalem a procession to welcome him back thousands this year he gave his blessings from a distance. yanni. you can feel the town's sadness this is not how christmas looks it's also the 1st time that we didn't attend the christmas tree lighting ceremony. bells stein's 1st cases of covered $1000.00 which reported in bethlehem in march tourism dr

church of the nativity it's also very quiet. there are no more long lines to enter the grow 2 of the nativity this is the star marks the spot where jesus is said to have been born. he said only paying a sort visit to bethlehem but he still wants to visit the crash in front of the church of the nativity and is sent to suit he attracts attention when he goes. remember. this record i want to know if there were. rug. from the hotel. it's time for is said to return to choose but there's always time for a quick photo or 2. in jerusalem people are also waiting for santa but 1st he must pass through the israeli checkpoint. even ng is falling on this city it's time to open the doors of santas house seeing said nick is always a thrill especially during a pandemic and for the use of. any on the xenon of i came to santa his house so my children could get to know father christmas this year there have hardly been any other activities in town so at least we can meet him and take a few photos with him and get into the spirit of things maybe saf

only if you worship as we are allowed to attend the midnight mass in the church of the nativity but the pending with with its burden of suffering and the. us to imagine a different world. and. you sort of pleased by leaving. and. a few because. for every one of. the palestinian president and many foreign diplomats didn't join the christmas service. the day started with a low key reception of the latin patriarch of jerusalem a procession to welcome him back thousands this year he gave his blessings from a distance. jani. you can feel the town's sadness this is not how christmas looks it's also the 1st time that we didn't attend the christmas tree lighting ceremony. bells stein's 1st cases of covered $1000.00 which reported in bethlehem in march. dried up in a country that heavily depends on it. the tourism ministry says the losses this year are estimated at one and a half $1000000000.00. but up a chill many makes a living out of tourism here in just community based tour guides and says 2019 was a very good season now he expects his business to pick up in october of next year we had maybe

the normally busy scene is quite empty, but the celebration still went ahead at the church of the nativity where christians believe jesus church of the nativity where christians believejesus was born. the service, which is normally attended by thousands of worshippers, was closed to the public this year. this is a christmas eve unlike any that locals have seen before. not even when there have been flare—ups in violence have festivities been so muted. typically, this would be the busiest night of the year for bethlehem, with no room at hotels. that is not the case this year and it is devastating for a place that is so reliant on tourism. churches across the uk will be holding scaled—back celebrations. the archbishop of canterbury has said elderly and vulnerable churchgoers should consider the risks and not feel obliged to go to church. for those that do grow, services will feel different and many will be broadcast online. —— for those that do go. the darkness is deep. yet, light penetrates the darkness. a homily to an empty building. midnight mass at westminster cathedral last night

different because of the corona pandemic everything here is much quieter just in front of the church of the nativity this is usually the busiest time of the year for the palestinian town then no foreign visitors because israel is still banning foreigners from entering the country and occupied territories as well it is unclear whether palestinian christians from other parts of the west bank in israel will be able to take part in the festivities the palestinian authority has recently imposed a new nighttime lockdown to help curb a new spike in infection rates but why celebrations will be severely scaled back people here say they still want to send a message of hope from bethlehem to the rest of the world i mean the city's iconic bonzai peaks its crowded bus if you look closely beachgoers social distancing on the fact the real story here there is very little community transmission and to the relief of many of the restrictions on using time the president's public country's international borders for the politics while this festive season will be overshadowed by the pandemic strain his suc

the church of the nativity is right around the corner from jack. people here are saying it hasn't been so empty since before the crusades. this footage is from 2019 when 3000000 tourists came to bethlehem. visitors often waited in line for hours to enter the grotto of the nativity in the church's crypt. it was built at the spot where jesus is said to have been born. now we have the chapel all to ourselves. we can relish in the beauty and the tranquility but it also feel sad and lonely. in the afternoon a funeral procession passes by jacques shah. more than 50 covert related deaths have been registered in bethlehem and thousands of cases bethlehem was the 1st city in the palestinian territories to see an outbreak it's thought the virus was brought here by tourists a strict lockdown was imposed in march. the ensuing economic crisis forced jack to get inventive he recently began selling his wooden figures online that was quite an innovation for a rather traditional business and it's brought with it new complications. i stopped the fellow mother and i

church of the nativity it's also very quiet. there are no more long lines to enter the grow 2 of the nativity this is the star marks the spot where jesus is said to have been born. he said it is only paying a sort visit to bethlehem but he still wants to visit the crash in front of the church of the nativity and is sent to suit he attracts attention wherever he goes. remember secretive and the holy man why this record i want to with the word rug. it's time for is so to return to choose but there's always time for a quick photo or 2. in jerusalem people are also waiting for santa but 1st he must pass through the israeli checkpoint. even ng is falling on this city it's time to open the doors of centers house seeing said nick is always a thrill especially during a pandemic unfold moment to a shelf. in your museum out of my came to santas house so my children could get to know father christmas this year there have hardly been any other activities in town so at least we can meet him and take a few photos with him and get into the spi

the church of the nativity is right around the corner from jack. people here are saying it hasn't been so empty since before the crusades. this footage is from 2019 when 3000000 tourists came to bethlehem. visitors often waited in line for hours to enter the grotto of the nativity in the church's crypt. it was built at the spot where jesus is said to have been born. now we have the chapel all to ourselves. we can relish in the beauty and the tranquility but it also feels sad and lonely. in the afternoon a funeral procession passes by jack shop. more than 50 covert related deaths have been registered in bethlehem and thousands of cases bethlehem was the 1st city in the palestinian territories to see an outbreak it's thought the virus was brought here by tourists a strict lockdown was imposed in march. the ensuing economic crisis forced jack to get inventive he recently began selling his wooden figures online that was quite an innovation for a rather traditional business and it's brought with it new complications. i stopped the fellow mother and i an

—year—old church of nativity. it is normally attended by thousands but was closed to the public this year — not even palestinian president, mahmoud abbas was in attendance. yolande knell is in bethlehem. this is a christmas eve unlike any that local people have ever seen before. not even when there have been the flare—ups in violence in the israel—palestinian conflict have the festivities been so muted. typically, this would be the busiest night of the year for bethlehem with no rooms in it's hotels. inevitably, that is not the case this year, and that is just devastating to a place that is so reliant on tourism. that was yolande knell there. now... ‘twas the night before christmas, when all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. the stockings were hung by the chimney with care, in hopes that st nicholas soon would be there. and any moment now, santa's journey will begin, and thus we bring you this newsjust in. santa is close, with stockings to fill, so get to bed quick. this is

church of the nativity it's also very quiet. there are no more long lines to enter the grotto of the nativity this is the star marks the spot where jesus is said to have been born. he said is only paying a sort visit to bethlehem but he still wants to visit the crash in front of the church of the nativity and is sent to suit he attracts attention wherever he goes. remember he could have been the only man why that record but i want to know if there were rog. well. it's time for is set to return to choose but there's always time for a quick photo or 2. in jerusalem people are also waiting for santa but 1st he must pass through the israeli checkpoint. even ng is falling on this city it's time to open the doors of centers house seeing said nick is always a thrill especially during a pandemic and so the use of. any on the xenon of my came to santas house so my children could get to know father christmas this year there have hardly been any other activities in town so at least we can meet him and take a few photos with him and get int

next door to the church of the nativity — built on the site where christians believe jesus was born. it‘s normally attended by hundred of believers, with the square outside busy with tourists. however, this year the service is closed to the public due to covid—i9 restrictions. yolande knell, who‘s in bethlehem explains why. there‘s the usual christmas tree here, and as usual, palestinians scouts with their drums and bagpipes are excluding and bagpipes are escorting the church leaders from nearby jerusalem into the square. but this is a christmas eve unlike any local people have ever seen before. not even when there had been the flare—ups of violence in the israel—palestinian conflict have festivities been so muted. later, midnight mass at a i700—year—old nativity church will take place without members of the public. and the palestinian president, who is 85, will not be there either. there is still a coronavirus curfew that remains in place in west bank cities at night time and at weekends. that will affect family get—togethers. typically, this would be the busiest n

here at the church of the nativity, where it's believed jesus was born on this very s,ot, there are no crowds, no choirs singing, and just a precious few of the faithful. but for carmen ghattas, who speaks for bethlehem's local government, it's an opportunity to get closer to the teachings of christ. >> we think and we feel with our beloved ones having family and friends safe is christmas, especially in this situation. >> reporter: it's a really beautiful thing to say that the spirit of christmas is keeping each other safe. >> true. >> reporter: with coronavirus infections still rising across bethlehem, midnight mass has also had to be scaled back. >> merry christmas! >> reporter: and the closest most were able to get to the annual tree-lighting ceremony was to watch it online via a live feed, a digital burst of s.ght in a year that's seen so much darkness. imtiaz tyab, cbs news, london. >> diaz: that's the "cbs weekend news" for this saturday. later on cbs, "48 hours." and don't forget "sunday morning with jane pauley," first thing tomorrow. i'm adriana diaz in chicago. good night. ca

church of the nativity it's also very quiet. there are no more long lines to enter the grow 2 of the nativity this is the star marks the spot where jesus is said to have been born. he said is only paying a sort visit to bethlehem but he still wants to visit the crash in front of the church of the nativity and is sent to suit he attracts attention when he goes. remember. this record i want to know if there were. rog. it's time for is so to return to choose but there's always time for a quick photo or 2. in jerusalem people are also waiting for santa but 1st he must pass through the israeli checkpoint. even ng is falling on this city it's time to open the doors of centers house seeing said nick is always a thrill especially during a pandemic unfold the use of. any on the xenon of my came to sanchez house so my children could get to know father christmas this year there have hardly been any other activities in town so at least we can meet him and take a few photos with him and get into the spirit of things maybe safe every year and

different because of the corona pandemic everything here is much quieter just in front of the church of the nativity this is usually the busiest time of the year for the palestinian town then no foreign visitors because israel is still banning foreigners some entering the country and the occupied territories as well it is unclear whether palestinian christians from other parts of the west bank in israel will be able to take part in the festivities the palestinian authority has recently imposed a new nighttime lockdown to help curb a new spike in infection rates but was celebrations will be severely back people here say they still want to send a message of hope from bethlehem to the rest of the world i mean the cities i call it on the i think it's crowded bus if you look closely. social distancing almost sounds a little strange yet there is very little community transmission and so the relief of many of the restrictions on using its time to process public country's international borders for the politics while this festive season will be overshadowed by the pandemic strain that success

the church of the nativity is right around the corner from jack. people here are saying it hasn't been so empty since before the crusades. this footage is from 21000 when 3000000 tourists came to bethlehem. visitors often waited in line for hours to enter the grotto of the nativity in the church's crypt. it was built at the spot where jesus is said to have been born. now we have the chapel all to ourselves. we can relish in the beauty and the tranquility but it also feel sad and lonely. in the afternoon a funeral procession passes by jack shop. more than 50 covert related deaths have been registered in bethlehem and thousands of cases bethlehem was the 1st city in the palestinian territories to see an outbreak it's thought the virus was brought here by tourists a strict lockdown was imposed in march the ensuing economic crisis forced jack to get inventive he recently began selling his wooden figures online that was quite an innovation for a rather traditional business and it's brought with it new complications. i stopped the fellow mother and i and

but the celebrations still went ahead at the church of the nativity where christians believejesus was born. but the service, which is normally attended by thousands of local and foreign worshippers, was closed to the public this year. the latest headlines, queen elizabeth has been reflecting on the hardships of the pandemic in her christmas speech as she and prince philip break tradition by staying in windsor. european union ambassadors get details of a post—brexit trade deal ina get details of a post—brexit trade deal in a christmas day briefing led by michel barnier. police in the us city of nashville in tennessee say a huge explosion in the city centre was a deliberate act. at least three people are injured. here, people living near the river great ouse in bedfordshire have been urged to leave their homes because of a risk of flooding tonight. because of a risk more than 80 flood warnings have been issued across england and wales in advance of the arrival of storm bella, which is forecast to bring heavy rain and winds of up to 70 miles an hour. this christmas is, of course, one

the church of the nativity is right around the corner from jack. people here are saying it hasn't been so empty since before the crusades. this footage is from 2019 when 3000000 tourists came to bethlehem. visitors often waited in line for hours to enter the grotto of the nativity in the church's crypt. it was built at the spot where jesus is said to have been born. but now we have the chapel all to ourselves. we can relish in the beauty and the tranquility but it also feels sad and lonely. in the afternoon a funeral procession passes by jacques shah. more than 50 covert related deaths have been registered in bethlehem and thousands of cases bethlehem was the 1st city in the palestinian territories to see an outbreak it's thought the virus was brought here by tourists a strict lockdown was imposed in march the ensuing economic crisis forced jack to get inventive he recently began selling his wooden figures online that was quite an innovation for a rather traditional business and it's brought with it new complications. i stopped to develop mother an

only if you were shippers were allowed to attend the midnight mass in the church of the nativity the pandemic we did with its burden of suffering and this. asks us to imagine a different world. made up of new so we don't retain and for 1100 haitian sheeps we're processing the sort of place by living. and they were in full for a few becomes a benefit for everyone. the palestinian president and many foreign diplomats didn't join the christmas service. but the day started with a low key reception of the latin patriarch of jerusalem a procession to welcome him huge tracts trousers this year he gave his blessings from a distance. yanni bennett has seen and you can feel the town's sadness this is not how christmas looks it's also the 1st time that we didn't attend the christmas tree lighting ceremony. bells stein's 1st cases of covered $9000.00 which reported in bethlehem in march tourism dried up in a country that heavy depends on it the tourism ministry says the losses this year are estimated at one and a half $1000000000.00. and up a chill many makes a living out of tourism here in just

mass at the church of the nativity a cease fire between rebels and the government in the central african republic has collapsed just one day after it was announced and 2 days before the country's election fighting has been reported in the eastern town of baquba which is home to one of the country's largest gold mines a rebel force called the coalition of patriots for change says the government rejected the peace deal is now ranged against the army and un peacekeepers. that lines this hour we'll have more news in about 30 minutes time i'll see you then coming up next up front. are the rich doing enough to combat climate change i'll ask award winning environmental activist neemo bassy but 1st we debate whether their surveillance and history is out of control and how it can be kept in check. authoritarian regimes and even democracies that want to spy on citizens and clamp down on activist movements can now tap into a murky largely unregulated global surveillance market even criminal organizations are suspected of having gotten their hands on cyber weapons the surveillance industry has grown

but the celebrations went ahead, close to the 1,700—year—old church of the nativity — built on the site where christians believe jesus was born. but the service which is normally attended by thousands of local and foreign worshippers was closed to the public this year. 0ur correspondent yolande knell, is in bethlehem. this is a christmas eve unlike any that local people have ever seen before. not even when there have been the flare—ups in violence in the israel—palestinian conflict have the festivities been so muted. typically, this would be the busiest night of the year for bethlehem, with no rooms at its hotels. inevitably, that is not the case this year, and that is just devastating to a place that is so reliant on tourism. meanwhile, in the vatican, pope francis, celebrated christmas eve mass in st peter's basilica in front ofjust 200 worshippers, who were indeed wearing face masks. in a sign of the times, the mass, traditionally held at midnight, was moved forward by two hours to meet italy's night time curfew. as in bethlehem, thousands would normally fill st peter's square on

but the celebrations went ahead, close to the 1,700—year—old church of the nativity, built on the site where christians believejesus was born. but the service which is normally attended by thousands of local and foreign worshippers was closed to the public this year. 0ur correspondent yolande knell, is in bethlehem. this is a christmas eve unlike any that local people have ever seen before. not even when there have been the flare—ups in violence in the israel—palestinian conflict have the festivities been so muted. typically, this would be the busiest night of the year for bethlehem, with no rooms at its hotels. inevitably, that is not the case this year, and that is just devastating to a place that is so reliant on tourism. meanwhile, in the vatican, pope francis, celebrated christmas eve mass in st peter's basilica in front ofjust 200 worshippers who were indeed wearing face masks. in a sign of the times, the mass, traditionally held at midnight, was moved forward by two hours to meet italy's night time curfew. he as in bethlehem, thousands would normally fill st peter's square o

of the church of the nativity this is usually the busiest time. of the year for the palestinian town then no foreign visitors because israel is still banning foreigners some entering the country and the occupied territories as well it is unclear whether palestinian christians from other parts of the west bank in israel will be able to take part in the festivities the palestinian authority has recently imposed a new nighttime lockdown to help curb a new spike in infection rates but was celebrations will be severely scaled back people here say they still want to send a message of hope from bethlehem to the rest of the world i mean cities i call it on the i think it's crowded bus if you look closely beachgoers social distancing almost sounds a little straight here there is very little community transmission and to the relief of many of the restrictions on using the time christmas other countries international borders were like oh well this festive season will be overshadowed by the pandemic australia success in virtually starting up on this means man

different because of the corona pandemic everything here is much quieter just in front of the church of the nativity this is usually the busiest time of the year for the palestinian town then no foreign visitors because israel is still banning foreigners from entering the country and occupied territories as well it is unclear whether palestinian christians from other parts of the west bank in israel will be able to take part in the festivities the palestinian authority has recently imposed a new nighttime lockdown to help curb and use bike and infection rates but why celebrations will be severely scaled back people here say they still want to send a message of hope from bethlehem to the rest of the world i mean cities iconic bonzai peaks it's crowded bus if you look closely beachgoers social distancing on the track here in australia there is very little community transmission and to the relief of many of the destructions are not easy time presents other countries international borders for the products well this festive season will be overshadowed by the pandemic australia success in

allowed to attend midnight mass at the church of the nativity. in our other top stories a ceasefire between rebels and the government in the central african republic has collapsed just one day after it was announced and 2 days before the election fighting has been reported in the eastern town of baquba which is home to one of the country's largest gold mines a rebel force called the coalition of patriots for change says the government rejected the peace deal and is now ranged against the army and un peacekeepers that's it for myself and the team here in london counting the cost is coming up next but there will be more news from the hard about often else time. is only a change because some people believe in a pose that is bigger than their. fundamental political muscle you know your arms they were in the senate they put themselves in knots to make the changes that. we should have taken this new name is going to. have a disco to slosh or to create new areas we have to change this culture and one of the fortunate ones we can leave and establish my l

but the celebrations still went ahead at the church of the nativity, where christians believejesus was born. but the service, which is normally attended by thousands of local and foreign worshippers, was closed to the public this year. this is a christmas eve unlike any that locals have seen before. not even when there have been the flare—ups in violence in the israeli palestinian conflict have festivities been so muted. typically, this would be the busiest night of the year for bethlehem, with no room at hotels. that is not the case this year and it is devastating for a place that is so reliant on tourism. what a year it's been for captain sir tom moore, the former british army officer and centenarian, known for his achievements raising tens of millions of pounds for charity in the run—up to his 100th birthday during the covid—19 pandemic. we've been following him and john maguire has been to meet him and find out about his christmas plans. it's been a year like no otherfor all of us. but for captain sir tom moore, 2020 has seen him catapulted from his back garden to worldwide a

a pandemic has deemed a festive cheer in bethlehem while the christmas tree outside the church of the native if he has been lit on your celebrations have been scaled back only 50 people have been allowed to man just square where jesus christ is said to have been born thousands of pilgrims usually come from around the world for the event he the abraham is in bethlehem in the occupied west bank with more. of the both of you years it was very hard for us to find at least. cover the christmas tree like to get the trees live without people they are watching the super hard line the 50. 5 what is on the top i think it was here that looks at the photo that was the topic of the 2009 theme for the faith here to talk about like this here was exceptionally that. many who work on agendas in the hotel owners went to separate in a very busy season and more tourist season so they took loans and expanded their business not their in debt not only them but the employees many were laid off and have been looking for alternatives but no one is hiring a digital. unemployment rates are soaring and with an av

in bethlehem, where jesus was born, traditional festivities outside the church of the nativity, but inside, midnight mass observed without a congregation. at the vatican, pope francis celebrated midnight mass at 7:30 in the evening so the few people invited to attend could be home before italy's 10:00 p.m. curfew. >>> there is still much more ahead on "world news tonight" this thursday. the home explosion rescue. the moment officers pull a 3-year-old child from the rubble, next. broken windshield... take 1... hey guys, my windshield just got broken, i feel like i need to blow off some steam. let's go... 1, 2, 3, 4... mr. blanks? there's no need to be stressed. geico makes it easy to file a claim online, on the app, or over the phone. yeah, but what if i never hear back? that's gonna make me want to go jab...jab! nope! your geico claims team is always there for you. that makes me want to celebrate with some fireworks. 5,6,7 go... boom, boom, boom, boom boom boom boom boom boom, yeah! geico. great service without all the drama. it's just a cold. if you have high blood pressure, a cold is not