An-Najah News - For the first time , the biblical city of Bethlehem, lit Saturday the Christmas tree ushering Christmas celebrations without the presence of the thousands of international and local pilgrims who used to attend this occasion at this times of the year.

A Christmas tree was erected in Manger Square outside the Church of Nativity in the city and was lit with only some religious leaders in attendance. Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh participated virtually in the kick-start of the celebrations in a speech aired via Palestine TV. 

Shtayyeh said this year brought about particular challenges due to the pandemic and the ongoing Israeli violations across the occupied territories, but said the Palestinians will not submit to the coronavirus or to the Israeli occupation.

“There is a very heavy price for the pandemic that we are experiencing both economically and commercially, but as we have always been together we will be together, and as we rose before, we will rise again,” said the Prime Minister.