at the battle of bethlehem starts right now. ♪ >> to truly understand the battle of bethlehem, you firstto understand the significance of this holy study. ♪ >> at christmas time the thoughts of people everywhere go back to the little town of bethlehem where was born. where the glad tidings first were heard and while the shepherds watched their flocks. >> the mary and joseph arrived here. there was no room for them at the end so they stay behind me where the baby jesus was born in bethlehem. the beginning of christianity in the state of israel. the manger was actually in a cave which became a shrine, and in the year 3:30 a.d., the first christian roman emperor emperor constantine built a church above it. we were invited in for an exclusive luck. >> hello. thank you so much for having me. 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 w

the battle of bethlehem starts right now. ♪ to truly understand the battle of bethlehem, you first haveo understand the significance of this holy city. ♪ >> at christmas time the thoughts of people everywhere go back to the little town of bethlehem where jesus was born. glad tidings were heard and the shepherds watched their flocks. >> the virgin mary and joseph arrived here. there was no room for them in the end so they went to the manger behind me where the baby jesus was born here in bethlehem beginning of christianity here in the state of israel. the manger was actually in the cave which became a shrine and in the year of 330 a.d. the first christian emperor built a church above it. we were invited in for an exclusive look. >> k. hello. >> welcome to bethlehem. good to have you here. let's walk by the main entrance of the church. going back, it was made smaller during the 12th century. afterwards made much smaller at this level going back to the 16th century. >> the door of humility in the year 1500 during the ottoman empire. those entering the basilica first dismounted their horses

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 with the help of a friend overseas we managed to make some internet webpages to sound like it feel like the whole family has since got involved. on the square in front of the church there's a big christmas tree just like every year. as if the situation were normal. jack's work day is over but his worries aren't. part of the new government that cannot order or that people are going to look for work looking for the land without any income and you know unfortunately we have a very rich. very thorough situation. the orient palace is the biggest hotel in the palestinian territories. du

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 idea and with the help of our friends overseas we managed to make some internet webpages like it feel like the whole family has since got involved. on the square in front of the church there's a big christmas tree just like every year. as if the situation were normal. and. jack's work day is over but his worries aren't. part of the new government that cannot stop war or that people love to look for work look for the land without any income and you know unfortunately we have a very rich but very thorough situation. the orient palace is the biggest hotel in the palestinian territories. du

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 and with the help of a friend overseas we managed to make some internet webpages to sort of like it feel like the whole family has since got involved. on the square in front of the church there's a big christmas tree just like every year. as if the situation were normal. jets work day is over but his worries aren't. part of the new government but not the war or the book looking for work looking for the land without any income and you know fortunately we have a very rich food but very thorough situation. the orient palace is the biggest hotel in the palestinian territories during the

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 and with the help of a friend overseas we managed to make is some internet webpages just like it feel like the whole family has since got involved. on the square in front of the church there's a big christmas tree just like every year. as if the situation were normal. checks work day is over but his worries aren't. part of the new government that cannot order or that people look to look for work look for the land without any income. during the christmas season it would normally be full of christian pilgrims this year too many rooms were booked long in advance but to no avail. fortunat

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 with the help of our friends overseas we managed to make is some internet webpages to sound like it seemed like the whole family has since got involved. on the square in front of the church there's a big christmas tree just like every year. as if the situation were normal. gents work day is over but his worries aren't. palestinian government that cannot stop war or the people going to look for all we're looking for the land without any income and you know fortunately we have a very weak a very thorough situation. the orient palace is the biggest hotel in the palestinian territori

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 with the help of a friend overseas we managed to make some internet webpages to like it feel like the whole family has since got involved. on the square in front of the church there's a big christmas tree just like every year. as if the situation were normal. gents work day is over but his worries aren't. magazine and government that cannot stop war or that people love to look for work looking for the land without any income and you know unfortunately we have a very rich. very thorough situation. the orient palace is the biggest hotel in the palestinian territories. during the chr

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 with the help of a friend overseas we managed to make is some internet webpages just like it feel like the whole family has since got involved. on the square in front of the church there's a big christmas tree just like every year. as if the situation were normal. jets work day is over but his worries aren't. part of the new government that cannot order or that people love the look of all work. life without any income and you know fortunately we have a very rich who would if a very thorough situation. the orient palace is the biggest hotel in the palestinian territories. during t

the atmosphere in bethlehem this year is different than any other year i'm 40 years old and for more than 40 years we've been celebrating christmas with joy and happiness because every year the main event was santa claus bringing happiness to our colleagues this year the christmas atmosphere is very different because of the coping 1000 pandemic santa claus is not going to visit children it. and celebrations will be limited as we all stay at home. in bethlehem christmas isn't being cancelled it will simply be celebrated differently not a sculler fully and above all without any foreign business in the 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 c

the atmosphere in bethlehem this year is different than any other year i'm 40 years old and for more than 40 years we've been celebrating christmas with joy and happiness because every year the main event was santa claus bringing happiness to our palms this year the christmas atmosphere is very different because of the kobe 1000 pandemic santa claus is not going to visit children it. and celebrations will be limited as we all stay at home. in bethlehem christmas isn't being cancelled it will simply be celebrated differently not a sculler fully and above all without any foreign business in the 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 sai

we visited bethlehem to see how the city is working to keep the spirit of christmas alive. >> all therimmings of a holiday wonder land, while the tree is up and the ornaments are on, the crowds are missing. the square is bracing itself for a christmas like no other. >> christmas will be alternative b -- be a little bit sad, we feel that by praying and raising up our voice to god, things will change and coronavirus will disappear. >> last year, this was what christmas was like in bethlehem, streets teaming with tourists from around the world. soaking up the festive cheer where jesus was born. in march the gates of the city were shut after the first major covid-19 outbreak happened here. there's been over 65,000 cases in the palestinian territory, and more than 620 deaths. resulting in strict lockdowns that spelled doom for bethlehem's small businesses. >> a lot of people are afraid, and you feel the spirit and prayers of jesus, but these days, there's nothing and don't feel any spirit. it's sad. >> the erie silence is not just on the street, it's in the churches. here at the church of

we tried to get the commissioners to speak out about bethlehem, about christians and muslims in bethlehemervative christians wouldn't touch with it a ten-foot pole. they see palestinians as a burden, an obstacle, a people who are encumbering their concern for israel proper. they don't want to deal with palestinians. so silent night, holy night, yes. silent suffering night, silent suffering night. >> thank you for that and so much more. good to talk to you. >> up next, new to washington. what is first on her agenda? we look at how much you've saved, how much you'll need, and build a straightforward plan to generate income, even when you're not working. a plan that gives you the chance to grow your savings and create cash flow that lasts. along the way, we'll give you ways to be tax efficient. and you can start, stop or adjust your plan at any time without the unnecessary fees. talk to us today, so we can help you go from saving...to living. talk to us today, ♪ then the back ms, safeguard hand soap with micellar deep cleansing washes away germs and impurities down to the pore. leaving hands

plus christmas in the holy land in the midst of a pandemic no tourists in bethlehem this year santa is still to bring some christmas cheer even if it means doing things different. well i'm terry martin good to have you with us britain is becoming increasingly isolated after a new more contagious strain of the credit emerged their countries have been banning flights to the u.k. stranding passengers at airports but there will be some relief for the long queues of trucks stuck waiting to leave britain the u.k. and france are reported to be restarting freight traffic from wednesday trucks have been backed up for several kilometers at the english port of dover after france board their entry. well let's go straight over to dover where d.w. charlotte chelsea pill is standing by charlotte what's the situation there. terry lorry drivers here stuck on the mesa way approaching the pool of dave waking up now author another night stranded now you might be able to see just behind me that there are long queues going up into the poor that the government said yesterday that they were around 170 lorries

how bethlehem is keeping its christmas cheer. >> merry christmas!s is the "cbs weekend news," from chicago. here's adriana diaz. >> diaz: good evening. tonight, pfizer is packing boxes with thousands of its covid-19 vaccine, getting them ready for shipment. they're expected to begin arriving in states early monday. shots will soon follow. the f.d.a. gave the nation's first covid vaccine emergency authorization late last night, and it could not come soon enough. this has been the worst week yet of the pandemic, record hospitalizations and deaths. more than 3,300 friday. a new daily record. overall, nearly 300,000 lives in this country have been lost, the economy devastated. the vaccine's development has come in record speed, and cbs' manuel bojorquez is outside pfizer's plant near kalamazoo, michigan, where it's being made. >> reporter: adriana, the massive logistical operation that will get the vaccine to more than 600 sites across the country will begin right here, the pfizer facility near kalamazoo, michigan. ka officials say the boxes are being p

bethlehem remains under a night—time cu rfew, bethlehem remains under a night—time curfew, there is ays here. it's going to make it very difficult for palestinian christian families to have the usual get—togethers. palestinian christian families to have the usual get-togethers. how badly hit or the families, the tourism trade, incredibly difficult situation for everybody. exactly. this little town has relied on christian pilgrims coming here for centuries. tourism is really the backbone of the local economy. this has been really badly hit, foreign travel virtually impossible at the moment, there's certainly no tourists coming to bethlehem this year, normally the hotel owners like to say to us they have no room at the end, just like in the nativity story, but that isn't the case this year, all of the hotels are empty and that means no business for souvenir sellers, the restaurants. thank you very much. we of course are keeping an eye on downing street, westminster, all events there and of course what is going on in brussels with the final talks on a brexit deal. drawing to a close. we

the atmosphere in bethlehem this year is different than any other year i'm 40 years old and for more than 40 years we've been celebrating christmas with joy and happiness because every year the main event was santa claus bringing happiness to our homes this year the christmas atmosphere is very different because of the coping 1000 pandemic santa claus is not going to visit children at all. and celebrations will be limited as we all stay at home. in bethlehem christmas isn't being cancelled it will simply be celebrated differently not as color fully and above all without any foreign business in the 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 ret

a quiet christmas in bethlehem, as pilgrims are told to stay away from the celebrations.d welcome. 4.5 years after britain voted to leave the eu, a post brexit trade deal has finally been agreed. the uk prime minister, borisjohnson, said britain had achieved a 660 billion pound per year trade agreement — which would protectjobs. but the opposition labour party, said the deal was thin and didn't protect workers. our political editor, laura kuenssberg, reports. time is finally up. a deal at last agreed that number ten believes will pull power back to this building from brussels. a vast trade and security agreement, the prime minister and brexiteers promised. until a matter of hours ago, it wasn't guaranteed, but look, the optimist really did have something to cheer. his ubiquitous thumbs up, achievement, relief written all over his face. i'm very pleased to tell you this afternoon that we have completed the biggest trade deal yet, worth £660 billion a year, a comprehensive ca nada—style free trade deal between the uk and the eu. and we have also today resolved a question th

the atmosphere in bethlehem this year is different than any other year i'm 40 years old and for more than 40 years we've been celebrating christmas with joy and happiness because every year the main event was santa claus bringing happiness to our palms this year the christmas atmosphere is very different because of the copa 1000 pandemic santa claus is not going to visit children it. and celebrations will be limited as we all stay at home. in bethlehem christmas isn't being cancelled it will simply be celebrated differently not a sculler fully and above all without any foreign business in the 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

a quiet christmas in bethlehem, as pilgrims are told to stay away from the celebrations.lebrated israeli violinist, ivry gitlis, has died at the age of 98. we'll look back on a remarkable career. hello and welcome. 4.5 years after britain voted to leave the eu, a post brexit trade deal has finally been agreed. the uk prime minister, borisjohnson, said britain had achieved a 660 billion pound per year trade agreement — which would protectjobs. but the opposition labour party, said the deal was thin and didn't protect workers. 0ur political editor, laura kuenssberg, reports. time is finally up. a deal at last agreed that number ten believes will pull power back to this building from brussels. a vast trade and security agreement, the prime minister and brexiteers promised. until a matter of hours ago, it wasn't guaranteed, but look, the optimist really did have something to cheer. his ubiquitous thumbs up, achievement, relief written all over his face. i'm very pleased to tell you this afternoon that we have completed the biggest trade deal yet, worth £660 billion a year, a

yolande knell, who‘s in bethlehem explains why.pes 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 night of the year for bethlehem, with no rooms in their hotels. inevitably, that is not the case this year. and that is just devastating for a place that is so reliant on tourism. stay with us on bbc world news, still to come: we take a climb into the heights of the forests of the republic of georgia, to see the birth place of half of europe‘

the atmosphere in bethlehem this year is different than any other year i'm 40 years old and for more than 40 years we've been celebrating christmas with joy and happiness because every year the main event was santa claus bringing happiness to our homes this year the christmas atmosphere is very different because of the covert $1000.00 pandemic santa claus is not going to visit children at home and celebrations will be limited as we all stay at home. in bethlehem christmas isn't being cancelled it will simply be celebrated differently not as color fully and above all without any foreign business in the 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 alwa

socially distancchristmas in bethlehem asam progr stay away from the festive celebrations. >> hello,nd welcome to bbc news. 4.5 years after britain voted to leave the eu, a post brexit trade his family being agreed. prime minister boris johnsonta said b had achieved a trade agreement which would create and protect jobs. but the opposition labor party said the deal was thin and did not protect workers. one of the main stumbling blocks was fishing quotun. r the plans, mr. johnson said btain would it take full control of its waters, with itsr of fishing rights rising over a 5.5-year period. the prime minister told a news that britain h taken backeet control of its laws and destiny. mr. johnson said the deal was fantastic and give stability and certainty. in brussels, president of the der leyen said it was a f ar and balanceal. the 2000-page document can which has not yet been published, now has to be approved by the u.k. parliament next week. it also has to be endorsed by members of themeuropean parl. scotland's first mister nicola sturgeon said brexit was happening against scotland's w

this is usually the busiest night of the year for bethlehem.e came here, they were packed into manger squarejust people came here, they were packed into manger square just behind people came here, they were packed into manger squarejust behind me, watching the procession takes place during the day when the church leaders come from nearbyjerusalem, along the stark street, just behind me, make their way into the square, accompanied by all the palestinian scout bands. and they are playing the bagpipes and drums. we saw them a little bit this morning. then midnight mass, usually that would be packed, foreign dignitas, the palestinian president will be there. this year, he has said he is not going to come, he's 85 and it's not really considered safe for him to move around. people are being asked to watch midnight mass on television this year. and also, we have coronavirus restriction still in place because there has been a surge in coronavirus in the west bank, in recent weeks. bethlehem remains under a night—time curfew, there is a weekend curfew o

night of the yearfor bethlehem, with no room in the hotel.se this year, and that is just devastating for a place that is so reliant on tourism. in the vatican, pope francis celebrated christmas eve mass in st peter's basilica in front ofjust 200 worshippers who wear wearing facemask. the mass, traditionally held at midnight, was moved forward by two hours to meet italy's a night—time curfew. as in bethlehem, thousands would normally fill st peter's square on christmas eve, but this time it was deserted. the pope delivered a message calling on followers to console those who suffer, rather than lamenting our own fate. translation: jesus gives us an example. heed the word of god as a baby. he does not speak but he offers his life. we, on the other hand, speaka offers his life. we, on the other hand, speak a lot but we are often incapable of goodness. when most people are asleep, mother of four leonne hutchinson has been cycling around the streets of edinburgh in the dead of the night. she has clocked up more than ten hours every day on her bike

here in bethlehem, christmas isn't just a holiday, it's a livelihood. >> many people in bethlehem dependtourism. now, those people started -- >> reporter: but christmas isn't cancelled. palestinian officials say they'll still celebrate. the world needs christmas now more than ever. >> bethlehem is going to celebrate christmas, and christmas will not be cancelled. >> reporter: the city went ahead with its annual christmas tree lighting ceremony, complete with fireworks in historic manger square earlier this month but the crowds were thin despite the hardship some people here see a sanctity in the silence. >> corona sent a message many christmas will open eyes for people many people don't believe. maybe they will believe. >> reporter: they hope this christmas in bethlehem like the one two millenia ago can offer a light to the world, a chance for rebirth just when the world needs it most. covid cases have actually spiked in israel over the last several months and israel has started their vaccination program, but the palestinians, they don't have the vaccine yet they're going to have to wait

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 bethlehem in march tourism dried up in a country that have a depends on it. the tourism

typically, this would be the busiest night of the year for bethlehem, with no rooms at its hotels.vastating 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 christmas eve — but this year it was deserted. the pope delivered a message calling on followers to console those who suffer rather than lamenting our own fate. translation: jesus gives us an example. he, the word of god, is a baby. he doesn't speak but he offers his life. we, on the other hand, speak a lot, but we are often incapable of goodness. the controversy around president trump's latest wave of pardons continues to prompt reaction as his term in office draws to a close. on wednesday, mr trump's former campaign manager, paul manafort, and his long—time adviser, roger ston

we're looking at live pictures in bethlehem, and talking with journalist, elliot godkin, live in bethlehemmany thanks to you. . and thank you for your company. i'm rosemary church. "early start" is up next. you're watching cnn. have yourselves a wonderful day. dry, distressed skin that struggles? new aveeno® restorative skin therapy. with our highest concentration of prebiotic oat intensely moisturizes over time to improve skin's resilience. aveeno® healthy. it's our nature™. robinwithout the commission fees. so, you can start investing today wherever you are - even hanging with your dog. so, what are you waiting for? download now and get your first stock on us. robinhood. - [child] what is a wish? (submarine rings) - [man] captain, we're ready to dive. - [child] it's adventure in seeing the unknown. (dolphin chatters) it's imagination! - [man] we're ready to surface. and coming up for air. but really, deep down, a wish is hope. and right now, we need hope more than ever. that's why we need your help. by giving $20 a month, 67 cents a day, or any amount to make a wish, you make wishes real

bells stein's 1st cases of covered 1000 we have 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 followed book maybe a year in advance it was the 1st time maybe we had the sons the birth of jesus you know. so it was a mess and we would expect an amazing year and things have changed but it's going to be back and. almost all christmas related festivities were called off instead treated corded christmas carols were broadcast on line the palestinian authority says it tried to limit gatherings as much as possible to combat the spread of the coronavirus this year there are fewer christmas lights and decorations than usual but some here tell us that the message of christmas is all about hope and they're praying that next year will be better in. the o

the direct road from jerusalem to bethlehem is blocked by the separation barrier and checkpoints. he visits a family he knows, the children are eagerly awaiting him. this time, he can only go as far as the door, not enter her apartment, safety comes first. dwin bethlehem, christmas is not being canceled, it will simply be celebrated differently, not as colorfully and above all, without any foreign visitors. >> i want to spread the word of love and peace and be safe from bethlehem, from the ho ho holy land. >> evening is falling on the city. it is time to open the doors of santa's house. in spite of the pandemic, they aim to fill fill their duties as best as they can. phil: that is it, you're up-to-date. we will have more world news at the top of the hour. i will be back in a moment to take you through the day. ç ñxÑÑÑ@óóÑuÑut anchor: france announces a deal has been reached to reopen borders with the u.k. tuesday at midnight, providing citizens about nations can provide proof. millions of doses of vaccine, distribution is due to start sunday. the kremlin

midnight mass in bethlehem looks a little different this year, thanks to the coronavirus pandemic.ativity, 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

yolande knell is in bethlehem.n 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 not a drill. but before you wake up to pull your christmas cracker, let's get updated on santa's progress from the norad santa tracker. nathanial callon is helping santa this year. tracking santa every single year is so important. children all over the world are wan

typically, this would be the busiest night of the year for bethlehem, with no rooms at its hotels.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 christmas eve — but this year, it was deserted. the pope delivered a message calling on followers to console those who suffer rather than lamenting our own fate. translation: jesus gives us an example. he, the word of god, is a baby. he doesn't speak but he offers his life. we, on the other hand, speak a lot, but we are often incapable of goodness. hundreds of extra military personnel are being drafted into dover, to help test thousands of lorry drivers for covid—19. many are still stranded in the uk — separated from theirfamilies over christmas. but the port of dover will stay open over the fe

that's bethlehem income on a virus time but no visitors means no income.that is given woodcarvers some new ideas because hope is from last thing they loose in bethlehem . a. global 3000. and 30 minutes on t.w. . surviving the winning team and then return. to normal life. meaninglessly to patients struggles side effects they don't know if their symptoms will never go away. troll studies come to life. for life after the. 90 minutes on d w. d to know that 77 percent. are younger than thanks to. cuts me and me and you. think you know what it's time all voices. on the 77 percent be told bobby to sue. you this is where you. go 77 percent this weekend on d w. this is t w news coming to you live from berlin germany reports its highest daily death rate from the credible ira since the start of the pandemic in one of the worst affected parts of the country the eastern state of saxony it's not just hospitals that are working to capacity crematoriums are also struggling to keep up with the surge and jets also coming out relief in sight for truck drivers stranded in sou

what's the mood like there in bethlehem on christmas eve. well let me start by telling you that. looks really different than usual let me take you through what happens throughout the day usually thousands of pilgrims from all around the world come here and greet the latin patriarch as he enters the nativity church and known seeing the start of the christmas celebrations this year we've seen very few people around he left and patchy our past really quickly here. and you know because of the restrictions many of opted not to come the authorities have limited access to the main just where without. and advised really old people to be abiding by health measures now i don't this time in the evening there is a stage that the. acquirers from around the thing christmas carols this is not happening here even the stage is not even set up now the midnight mass itself is going to be happening but no dignitaries as far as the tourist tourism minister told al-jazeera no dignitaries from the palestinian authorities will be in attendance but very symbolic different palestinian cities will be in th

the atmosphere in bethlehem this year is different than any other year i'm 40 years old and for more than 40 years we've been celebrating christmas with joy and happiness because every year the main event was santa claus bringing happiness to our palms this year the christmas atmosphere is very different because of the kobe 1000 pandemic santa claus is not going to visit children it. and celebrations will be limited as we all stay at home. in bethlehem christmas isn't being cancelled it will simply be celebrated differently not as color fully and above all without any foreign business in the 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

and a socially distanced christmas in bethlehem, as pilgrims stay away from the festive celebrations. and a half years after britain voted to leave the eu, a post—brexit trade deal has finally been agreed. the uk prime minister, borisjohnson, said britain had achieved a £660 billion per year trade agreement which would protect jobs. but the opposition labour party said the deal was thin and didn't protect workers. one of the main stumbling blocks was fishing quotas. under the plans, mrjohnson said britain would eventually take full control of its waters, with its share of fishing rights rising over a five—and—a—half—year period. the prime minister also told a news conference at downing street that britain had taken back control of its laws and destiny. mrjohnson said the deal was fantastic and gave stability and certainty. meanwhile, in brussels, the president of the european commission, ursula von der leyen, said it was a "fair and balanced deal". the 2,000—page document — which hasn't yet been published — now has to be approved by the uk parliament next week. it also has to be endor

elli elliot is live in bethlehem.er tourists this year, maybe more of a solemn religious experience? >> reporter: that's right, laura. i mean, you can probably see behind me, quite a noisy procession. these are the marching bands run by scouts who welcome in the latin patriarch who travels here to bethlehem each year from jerusalem. i should say that the patriarch was a doubt for today. he has only just recovered from covid himself. this is the only part of christmas in bethlehem that is more or less happening as normal. even then, there are far fewer marching bands and although you can see a number of people in the square who have come out to see the procession, the number of people allowed in here is capped at 200 and only locals are allowed here because the rest of the west bank is in lock down, so palestinians can't come here to try to soak up some of the festivities, and anyway, these other festivities aren't really happening, there are no concerts, no other performances happening, and if the locals wanted to see

the atmosphere in bethlehem this year is different than any other year i'm 40 years old and for more than 40 years we've been celebrating christmas with joy and happiness because every year the main event was santa claus bringing happiness to our homes this year the christmas atmosphere is very different because of the kobe $1000.00 pandemic santa claus is not going to visit children at home and celebrations will be limited as we all stay at home. in bethlehem christmas isn't being cancelled it will simply be celebrated differently not as color fully and above all without any foreign visitors in the 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 qui

. >> christmas will look a lot different this year in the holy city of bethlehem. coronavirus restrictions mean the normally vibrant celebrations will be somber, and thousands of tourists will be missing. still, leaders say the holiday will go on. charli james with the story. >> unlike for the baby jesus, there is plenty of room at the end this year in bethlehem. the city celebrated by christians as the birthplace of christ, but now the shepherds are under lockdown, and there are few visitors to pay homage to their king. officials are putting on a brave face. >> [speaking foreign language] >> for some residents, it is too late for hope. the west bank is in the grips of a coronavirus spike and tourism halted in march. businesses are use to ups and downs because of the israeli-palestinian conflict, but nothing like this. >> [speaking foreign language] >> this christmas will be less festive and much more private. bethlehem's famed tree lighting will be limited to just 15 guests, and christmas eve midnight mass has also been scaled back with the -- scaled back. with th