well, bethlehem... first, merry . bethlehem...em is a sad town these days. because of the ongoing war continuing over a year now, and with thousands of children really killed. the latest estimate, there are 20,000 children orphaned in the gaza strip. and so this situation is sad, and outwardly, publicly we as palestinian christians cannot celebrate with joy, palestinian christians cannot celebrate withjoy, happiness celebrate with joy, happiness of celebrate withjoy, happiness of christmas, but we do celebrate in our homes, as you see behind me, this christmas tree. and we do give joy to our children, and the churches, all of the churches have wonderful celebrations within the churches. so inside we celebrate, outside we are sad. with our people. so you still maintaining the tradition of celebrating christmas, it is just very muted this year, again because of what is happening in the war. just tell us how vibrant celebrations would be normally in previous years in bethlehem and around, prior to this conflict.— prior to this confli

yes, bethlehem _ everyone. thank you. yes, bethlehem is _ everyone. thank you.is not - everyone. thank you. yes, bethlehem is not as - everyone. thank you. yes, bethlehem is not as you i everyone. thank you. yes, - bethlehem is not as you visited a few years ago, when there was a few years ago, when there was a big tree, lights, and celebrations. lots of pilgrimages in the square of bethlehem, it's a sombre mood in bethlehem this year. the mayor of bethlehem, which — his name is mohammad taha as well — he said he couldn't put the tree because he had to reflect the mood in the palestinian territory. the patriarch of jess who came ——ofjerusalem, who came from jerusalem to bethlehem to lead the prayer, said he visited gaza on monday and he saw how much destruction is in gaza, but at the same time he saw the will of the palestinian people and he said the palestinians are made of light, and not made of darkness. and we hope this is the last christmas that bethlehem would not witness a tree and lights as everyone wish, and at the same time, the west bank, as i told yo

in frustration and despair that exist in bethlehem. in terms of our exist in bethlehem._ exist in bethlehem. in terms of your message to people - exist in bethlehem. in terms of your message to people this i your message to people this year, just tell us what you are focusing on. year, just tell us what you are focusing on— focusing on. this year we will focusing on. this year we will focus on _ focusing on. this year we will focus on hope _ focusing on. this year we will focus on hope and _ focusing on. this year we will. focus on hope and perseverance. it is one of the darkest moments in our history of our people. there is so much despair and many families are leaving as a result of the continuous block around bethlehem and the restrictions that are enforced and since october seven. there is a sense of fear as we watch what happens with us and think is this ourfate? we happens with us and think is this our fate? we are trying to encourage the faithful by 1559 00:22:55,06

bethlehem gone quiet. few tourists and subdued celebrations as war rages. >>> the stunning spread of bird flu cases. the rising risk for some of the world's most endangered animals. >>> the new crackdown on drones made in china. the new move congress is looking into that could ban sales of the dronehere in the u.s. >>> a whole new ball game. the nfl's netflix debut set to kick off with beyonce as the halftime performer. inside the playbook to prevent more streaming stumbles. >>> and the christmas visitor who came in through the chimney, taking his place as the new star on top of the tree. >>> this is nbc "nightly news" with lester holt. >>> good evening. i'm sam brock in for lester tonight. the final sprint of holiday travel once again running into some serious stumbling blocks. american airlines passengers caught off guard this morning when all flights were grounded nationwide. the company faulting a vendor technology issue. that problem quickly resolved, but not without some missed connections and a casc

back in bethlehem, there's still moments of christmas joy. how do you feel here in bethlehem? >> so blessed. >> reporter: foreign workers thousands of miles from their families gathering at the church of the nativity. normally in the run up to christmas you'd have huge lines of pilgrims from all around the world waiting to get into this holy place. and you can see we have it pretty much to ourselves. the church built on the spot where jesus is said to have been born, a refuge in a turbulent world. raf sanchez, nbc news, bethlehem. >>> notre dame in paris hosted its first christmas mass since the cathedral was nearly destroyed by a fire in april 2019. now during the service, the lead priest at notre dame said it served as a symbol of faith, unity and hope. it reopened on december 7. and just a few hours ago here in new york city, midnight mass was held at st. patrick's cathedral in manhattan. archbishop timothy dolan leading the service. and surely you have plans today. so let's get a check on the christmas day forecast now with nbc meteorologist bill karins. good morning. >> h

shaimaa khaliljoins us from bethlehem.ibed the scene for us there tonight.— described the scene for us there tonight. happy holidays from here _ there tonight. happy holidays from here in _ there tonight. happy holidays from here in bethlehem - there tonight. happy holidays| from here in bethlehem where the midnight mass hasjust started and ushered in yet another sombre holiday season. i know that you have been covering christmas festivities here in bethlehem for many years and you will notice there is a big absence behind me which is that of the huge christmas tree that normally glistens at this time of night and lights up major square. that's nowhere to be seen. the biggest indication that while the ceremonies are going, happening, it is a very sombre mood here in the ceremonies are muted. the big celebrations have been cancelled out of respect, but also out of deep sorrow for what is happening in gaza yet again for a second year running. the war in gaza has cast a very heavy shadow on this biblical city earlier during t

they named bethlehem on christmas eve that year. and also the german settlers that were already here. reporter: three other communities, in germany, northern ireland, and die mark -- and denmark, joined in the designation. together they showcase the architectural and urban planning ideals that remain consistent across continents. >> they built not only churches but community centers. reporter: in bethlehem, which was named after the middle eastern city where christians believe jesus was born, moravians built america's first prompt water supply. and they constructed a place for living, worship, and education, that was ahead of its time. >> they felt everyone should be educated, not just the sons of the wealthy. that was incredible. so they were educating women with the same curriculum as the men. they were learning mathematics and sciences, foreign languages. reporter: near was the single sisters house, living quarters for single women including those who chose not to get married. >> if they chose to remain signal, they would be allo

s mutated christmas celebrations at the church in bethlehem.s breakout in syria, calling for the protection of minorities by islamist leaders after the burning of a christmas tree. president-elect trump vows to pursue the death penalty for violent criminals after president biden commutes 37 federal death sentences. and we are following santa's journey as he edges closer to the u.k. ♪ thanks for being with us. christians have been gathering at the church of the nativity in the holy city of bethlehem to mark christmas. the latin patriarch of jerusalem told worshipers to remain steadfast, saying he had witnessed destruction in gaza, but also life amidst the ruins. our correspondent joins us from bethlehem. describe the scene for us there tonight. correspondent: hello, and happy holidays from here in bethlehem, where the midnight mass has just started and ushered in yet another somber holiday season. i know that you have been covering christmas festivities in bethlehem for many years. you will notice there is a big absence behind me, which is that

in the little town of bethlehem, christmas is barely a whisper. palestinian scouts parading the streets but without the traditional instruments at the end of a difficult year for this holy city. christmas usually looks like this. the main square dominated by a towering tree. this is where that tree should be. with the war in gaza still raging and few tourists, most official festivities are canceled. church leaders calling for public signs of christian hope. muted celebrations. >> it's supposed to be the best time of the year. none of that is happening because we are mourning. >> reporter: this reverend is the pastor of bethlehem's evangelical lutheran church. this reminds people of the thousands of children killed since last c christmas >> we see jesus from every child. >> reporter: we walked past struggling souvenir shops to the home of this woman, a christian born in gaza. she has two surviving siblings there. >> that's why i didn't put the christmas tree. i not feel well if i did this while they are suffering there. >> reporter: reaching them b

and we're now with this very sub cpo, bethlehem every day, a smaller. so the immigration, it's a reality. but there are also people fighting to stay there. also people have been telling thing that you still have controls in the palestinian population, but history not just our land, lots of our access. and that's a very important point to understand. but if we're fighting to say, we're also waiting for christmas worldwide to support this. thank you so much. the theater. but he didn't, i want to quote something of what you said, you know, today we are talking about more christians outside of palestine, then they are inside. and it is as many would tell us because of the restrictions and the policies of these radio occupation, many people have been speaking to today say that christmas is all about hope and the fear that this whole is fading away. okay. and that the him a speaking of us from bethlehem, thank to still ahead on algae 0. a call to shut down was i'm b protest or is are back on the streets after a top court confirmed the results of a disputed pr

it is interesting because i was in bethlehem celebration.as in bethlehem last year when christmas was cancelled for the first time out of respect and deep sorrow, of course, because of the war in gaza and you go back this year and i was speaking to people that i was speaking to last year and they say that this year feels worst because the hope is fading on when this is going to end a soppy feel that the people in bethlehem are torn, on the one hand they feel that the city is a shadow of itself, no celebrations, no famous christmas tree, no tourists, no pilgrims and a lot of local businesses are struggling to make ends meet and yet they feel that they cannot celebrate. one local woman said had how —— how can we celebrate when i buy citizens are being killed in gaza. you walk around and feel like people are trying to keep the christmas spirit and this is where the whole world looks too, to bethlehem. this is where the christmas ceremonies happen of course, and they were quite muted and it does feel like a shadow of its former self. . ~ , ., li

the little town of bethlehem. nativity church, built on the spot where it's believed jesus was born, and christmas began. but this christmas, for local palestinian christians, festivities are muted. public celebrations have been cancelled because of the gaza war. usually, the saint nicholas feast would bring a big parade. this is the second year, unfortunately, we don't have this. just to pray in the church, that's it. and it's... it's a little bit sad. here at the christmas church, prayers are said for people in gaza. the nativity scene shows a baby in the rubble. some palestinian christians, like yousef khouri, have families in gaza, and they've been living in the churches there. they are subjected, like the entire gaza strip, of starvation. um... of course, almost no sleep because of bombardment, because of all the drones hovering above their heads. and the lack of medical attention and services. here in the occupied west bank, there's also fear and uncertainty amid heightened tensions with israel. and the econ

but i'll mentally stuff your shift with the notion that is in bethlehem itself. i mean, maria, we know it's all and it's the 2nd christmas the since the gospel who erupt. busy for a year ago. so really if you could just give us a sense of the mood on the street. well, hello to you. first of all, it's midnight here. ahead and i can officially now congratulate you merry christmas . and yes, we are in best. let him, polly students fits in the occupied westbank believed to be the birthplace of jesus christ. and traditionally, of course, the heart of christmas celebrations for millions and millions of questions around the world. but tonight it's hard to find any sign of passivity. here the manger square behind me usually dominated by a towering bright elite. beautiful christmas trees fence. there are no tree, no lies, no decorations. typically the square is full of vendors selling straight food, a gift children running around pilgrim singing carols, taurus, so clean in this period of the holidays. now it's all gone for the 2nd here in the road. bethlehem has cancelled

believe that bethlehem is the capital of christmas. the plays the reason really for the season as far as they say, but they feel that instead of eyes turning to bethlehem as the birthplace of jesus instead of the world, paying attention to palestinians in the besieged gauze as to poor. i've been suffering from continue this really bombardment. they feel that they've been left alone. well, people all around the world. mark christmas with joy and for city fees. they want the world to remember the palestinians here in the occupied west bank still continues to suffer. still live in the shadow of the war. yes, they are far away from those products. it is the besieged because of strep, but they are one people. and we know has been speaking to many palestinians here who have registered relief from the besieged as to who got married here and have families here. but they still have loved ones in gaza. and it's hard for them to be able to celebrate while they see their loved ones looking for a piece of red. so it's really a sad season and what m

joining us live from bethlehem.ctures from moldova watching in the swearing in of moldova's pro—european union president. she claimed a second term in office after what was described as a tense election run—off earlier in november. just in the autumn. that was between moldova having a choice between moldova having a choice between europe and russia, what this election was described as. maia sandu won about 55% of the vote. we are just keeping an eye on that swearing in of maia sandu as the president of moldova, incumbent president, pro—west — leaning. so, images from moldova. we willjust take a short break now. a nasa spacecraft is set to make history today. it will get closer to the sun than any other human—made object. the parker solar probe must survive the radiation and extreme temperatures it will encounter, to solve some of the mysteries about our nearest star. our science editor, rebecca morelle, has the story. our sun in all its fiery splendour. we've been studying it for centuries, but there's still so much

but he was a journalist joining us from bethlehem. so a somber mood. me that for the 2nd you're running in bethlehem. tell us what people have been telling us. yes, that in and now it's dark time usually around this time you would be hearing loud christmas carols used to be seeing the declaration, the christmas lights and also the christmas 3. this is usually the holling here, but this here, everyone is sad to hear of best level as far as the cost savings we've been speaking to. they say that they can not celebrate, even though this is considered the capital of christmas, so long as their fellow palestinians are suffering in the besieged gauze as to the list is more about the experiences of palestine is from bethlehem. and in best lab, i'm joining here now by mr. diaz. the is, is a tourism expert and works in one of the organizations vehicle told me that the trust that i wanted to ask you about, you know, the comparison. it's really obvious how the situation looks in comparison with previous years, but how do people feel? how did the tourism get affect

now tourism makes up about 70 percent of the economy in bethlehem. the tourist have lots, we stayed away from it. the ongoing rule making laws for the people who live here very, very difficult to about the ongoing role. i'm not nice people with very little to celebrate this christmas. a nasa pro is about to make history by flint flying closer to the sun than any other spacecraft ever before. scientists are hoping that the mission will deepen, our understanding of our nearest star park or solar probe is due to zip past the sun for a fly. by on christmas eve, traveling more than 700000 kilometers per hour. that makes it the fastest human made object ever. the spacecraft is built to in your searing temperatures of nearly 1000 degrees celsius. i'm breathing radiation into songs, corona, or atmosphere. the provo gets 6200000 kilometers from the surface, which sounds far, but it's extremely close in deep space terms and scientists are excited. launched in august 2018. the spaceship aims to collect data on the suns corona and solar wind. it can help forecas

this is bethlehem story. this christmas the story of sorrow and 3 for the resilience smoke celebrations. i was hearing best left him 2 years ago during the 1st christmas off to cove and loved downs and the square i have to tell you and the say to you look very different back then. i want you to take a look. now. we're finally invest, let him if mother mary would make it here today, she would find the say to reach the decorated for christmas and full of celebrating crowds for the 1st time in 3 years. the town believe to be the birthplace of jesus accepts christians from all over the globe earlier his really prime minister benjamin netanyahu addressed wish turns worldwide banking band for support in israel's fight against what he called the forces of evil, yet for palestinians. here in bethlehem as well as all across the west bank and beyond. and guys are christians and muslims. nathan, yahoo! and he's aggressive. paula says all seeing as the source of they are suffering earlier, we spoke with some people here

well we are now in bethlehem. a palace, students sitting in the occupied west bank believe to be the birthplace of jesus christ. and traditionally, of course, the heart of christmas celebrations for millions of questions around the world. but to night it's hard to find any sign of passivity. the major square behind me usually dominated by a towering, brightly leaf christmas tree stands empty. no tree, no lies, knew the corporations. typically the square is alive with vendors selling food or gifts. children running around now it's all gone. no pilgrims thinking carols or taurus, so pinning the period of the holidays for the 2nd year in a row. bethlehem has 10 sold as christmas celebrations. the reason of this, they the ongoing war. and guys, i'm has cost a dark and have a shadow of, of palestinians who say dozens, i'll expand believe for them, brothers and sisters who was suffering as deeply shared church leaders. and local officials decided to counsel festivities as an act of totally dev, retain. with those in guy

and there rose, bethlehem has cancelled as christmas celebrations. and the reason of this thing they wore in guys on has cost a dark shadow of how this can use in the west bank. and here invest, let him who say guys is all like family to them. brothers and sisters who's suffering is deeply shared. church leaders and local officials council system, which is as an act of solidarity with those and guys, endearing, unimaginable hardship with more than $45000.00 lives lost in the palestine and in slave, and thousands and thousands more wounded or missing. the grief is intense. earlier, the catholic church is less than patriarch who is attending the midnight mess at the church of the tv to night, which is right in front of me. he to jazz us, here's what he said for his return. i guess from the, from guys the 5 i also so so you also we also mentioned in the home is nice. don't be afraid to console our life. and next the biggest piece must free a message of hope in a time of overwhelming devastation. business bethlehem story, this christmas the story of sorr

i'll just say it was neither. abraham has moved from bethlehem. the silent nights isn't no christmas carol that talks about a peaceful and silent night in bethlehem. it's refers to the 1st christmas within 2000 years ago. it's now the year 2024. and it is a silent night here in bethlehem, not because of peace, but because of lack of it, the square was usually filled with people, not just tell us to me is but also international torres, which come to about the land, which is known as the capital of person, that's always been my point to get people to come here for people to travel here. that is so important. and i even seen when they go with it, you said you to this to this and that they can, those avoid the realities when they're confronted with video, qualities of occupation. it's not just by child. so if we don't have people, there is a clear policy from district loki patient to isolate our cities and particularly the birthplace of jesus christ is the city that heavy need depends on tourism and to see shops, news on christmas eve, which is huge.

but bethlehem is in the occupied west bank. raging all around the streets and shops are empty. imtiaz tyab paid a visit. >> reporter: in the ancient alleyways behind the church of the nativity souvenir shops which have withstood the test of time. the bethlehem oriental store has been run by the mikel family since 1818. >>-we have some nativity scenes, some figures. >> reporter: 73-year-old elias mikel has worked here his entire life. >> you've had 73 christmases. could you imagine having one like this? >> never. never. two years nothing. >> reporter: this is what christmas looked like in bethlehem in 2022. manger square full of people covered in twinkling lights. and this is it now. no trees, no tourists, shops shuttered. since last year's october 7th hamas attacks, israel's assault on gaza and the surge in violence across the west bank bethlehem, believed by christians to be the birthplace of jesus, has seen its tourism economy shrink by over 70%. >> every sunday i go for prayer. we pray for peace. we pray to hope to stop that

emir naderjoining us there from bethlehem.it attempts the closest—ever approach to the sun. the parker solar probe must survive radiation and extreme temperatures as it descends into the star's outer atmosphere. it is hoped the data it could retrieve may help solve some of the sun's mysteries. 0ur science editor, rebecca morelle, has the story. 0ur sun in all its fiery splendour. we've been studying it for centuries, but there's still so much we don't know about it. now the closest—ever encounter is set to finally shed light on our star. three, two, one, zero. nasa's parker solar probe blasted off in 2018, heading to the centre of our solar system. it's been orbiting our star, getting ever nearer, but this latest flyby is taking us to a new frontier — to touch the sun. even though we've had missions that have gone very close to the sun, that wasn't close enough to get into this sort of magic region where all of this physics and all of this — all of these processes are happening, and the the only way to be able to understand th

find floors and courage to take to the people around the world . joyfully observe christmas and bethlehem. the city christians consider the birthplace subjects as the grief of fellow palestinians in gals that overshadows this celebration. the 3 pan in moscow. on december, the 25th pallets being a deadly christmas day for passengers aboard us or by john the airlines flight this wednesday. now days are breaking news from catholic stone, where 69 people were reportedly on board. dozens are believed to have lost their lives, but emergency services, se sum 32 survivors. i've been rescued as well, including 2 children. we have exclusive footage of the 1st moments after the cross taken by one of the passengers here. the video captures several people trying to crawl items as always is the same record over luggage and broken seats. many of the survivors appear to be in shock, uncovered in blood local blogger from this as well as the side of the truck today. sure, this is just the snow. i met the scene of the instead about 28 kilometers from the city of opt out. judging from the fact that the plain

now it's all gone for the 2nd year in a row, bethlehem has cancelled as christmas celebrations. and the reason of this name they wore in garza and has cost a dark shadow of palestinians in the west bank. and here in bethlehem who say gas was all like family to them. brothers and sisters whose suffering is deeply shared . church leaders and local officials cancel facilities as an act of solidarity with those and guys, endearing, unimaginable hardship. with more than 45000 lives lost in the palestine and slave of thousands and thousands more wounded or missing. the grief is in tens earlier, and the catholic church is less than patron who is attending the midnight mess at the church of the tv to to night. he visits a gaza and here's what he said upon his return from god's vice i also so so you are so we on so nice of the war to cancel our life and that's the biggest reason us 3 i was hearing best left him 2 years ago during the 1st christmas off the cove and low downs and the square, i have to tell you and the say to look very different back then we're finally invest. let him is mo

and you feel that the people in bethlehem are torn.l that their city is a shadow of itself. no celebrations, no famous christmas tree, no tourists, no pilgrims, and a lot of local businesses are struggling to make ends meet. and yet they feel that they cannot celebrate. one local woman said, "how can we celebrate when our brothers and sisters "are being killed in gaza?" you walk around and you feel that people are trying to keep up the christmas spirit. this is where the whole world looks to, bethlehem, in christmas. the religious ceremonies happened, of course, but they were quite muted and it does feel like it's a shadow of itself. officials in kazakhstan say 38 people have been killed after a crash landing of an azerbaijan airlines flight. the plane went down outside the city of aktau as it was was flying from the capital, baku, to grozny in chechnya. jonathan josephs reports. this dramatic amateur footage captures the moments just before the crash. the azerbaijan airlines plane seems to be descending with some speed, and at a steep

emir naderjoining us there from bethlehem.s sunk in the mediterranean sea off the coast of spain. the russian foreign ministry said the vessel, called the ursa major, went down after an explosion in its engine room. two of the 16 crew members are missing. the ship is reported to have been transporting specialised cranes to the russian port of vladivostok. tracking data from marine traffic shows that it left st petersburg on 11 december and had recently passed through the staits of gibraltar. it's the third russian ship to go down in ten days. russia has been accused of using a so—called "ghost" fleet of ships, which are often poorly maintained and lack proper insurance, to circumvent sanctions. it's not known whether the ursa major was part of that fleet. we will bring more details to you when we have them. we will bring more details to you when we have them. around the world and across the uk. this is bbc news. welcome back. a nasa spacecraft is set to make history today — getting closer to the sun than any other human—made o

so we've been seeing how colors are celebrating that christmas tier and bethlehem. there's also a lot of resilience and we're here in one of the places in bethlehem that decided to send a message to god. so this is a musical event that is being synchronized together between a local wire from bethlehem and have room with palestinians from ton eunice in the besieged garza strip. they are from a bad cold, has the birds singing, and they have established this band during the war. drum displaced teachers and displaced music students who decided to use music as a way to the general in the different technical initiative to bridge between the fingers here and the ones in guns. i our an opportunity to buy the gaza has had to move from los angeles to another agent, to look for a better internet connection. so they could make this musical event work. they said that they can not physically meet what they would be thinking together. they would be sending a message from bethlehem and jesus christ to god, but also from god, the people here in best line and they can not they are, w

so the right thing tonight, mary merry christmas from bethlehem in palestine. i'm turning now to syria, where a christmas tree has been set on fire in a greek orthodox majority town, sparking outrage video online. it showed men torturing the holiday symbol local media have pointed the finger of fighters affiliated with the high out to rear of some terrorist group that recently ceased. power is comes just a week after gunmen open fire on a group orthodox church in the nearby city. a mall causing significant damage to the building. prisons, christians have responded by staging mass protest us in damascus. hundreds of demonstrators march through the streets of the capital of changing slogans and carrying process. besides, the top of government had previously sought to protect various religious and ethnic minorities in the country. but since the h t s militants took over, there has been an uptick. in religiously motivated attack. my colleague union o'neill spoke with some other superior of the monastery of saint james, the mutilated in syria. agnes marian, mozilla

now, christmas celebrations are muted for a second year in bethlehem.ity, the biblical birthplace ofjesus, where traditional festivities have been scaled back, leaving church leaders to focus on providing spiritual guidance and solidarity during a time of profound grief. 0ur correspondent emir nader is in bethlehem — where he says few have come to mark the birth ofjesus. it is quite incredible to be here as the world begins to celebrate christmas and to see bethlehem looking so quiet for the second year in a row. usually by this time, the main square here, manger square, would be full of marching bands, processions. we can see the i,700—year—old church of the nativity, wherejesus is believed to have been born. usually we would see pilgrims from around the world that would have travelled here to take part, tourists from around the world, but the hotels are empty and many of the shops are shut. that is because many of the people have the war on their mind which is going on in the palestinian territory of gaza not so far away. the cardinal leading the mass

>>> plus, christmas in bethlehem. biblical birthplace of jesus under the raging war between israel and gaza and the ongoing ceasefire talks. >>> merry christmas and happy hanukkah. it's noon eastern, 9:00 a.m. pacific. i am live from washington, d.c. we begin with breaking news from kazakhstan where search and rescue efforts are underway after a plane crash carrying 67 people. the flight was traveling from azerbaijan to russia. dozens are feared dead but miraculously at least 32 people survived according to the azerbaijan i office. so, kelly, what more can you tell us? >> reporter: for the first time we are hearing casually numbers. kazakhstan officials say 38 people died when that plane went down earlier today. video appears to show the plane sharply losing and gaining altitude before crashing to the ground and bursting into flames and breaking apart. a large part of that fuselage remained intact, and unverified video posted by a russian state news agency appears to show some of the passengers seemingly able to walk

bethlehem is a sad town these days because of the ongoing war.r now and with thousands of children really killed at the latest estimate, there are 20,000 children orphaned in the gaza strip. and so the situation is sad. and outwardly, publicly, we as palestinian christians cannot celebrate with joy happiness of christmas. but we do celebrate in our homes, as you see behind me this christmas tree. and we do givejoy to our children and the churches. all of the churches have wonderful celebrations within the churches, so inside we celebrate. outside we are sad with our people. a palestinian christian in jerusalem. a palestinian christian injerusalem. at least two journalists and a police officer have been killed in haiti as gang members opened fire at the country's biggest public hospital. the journalists were waiting for the arrival of the health minister for the reopening of the general hospital when the shooting began. several people were injured. today might be christmas day, but it is also the first day of the jewish festival of hanukkah. commo

emir naderjoining us there from bethlehem.oly year for catholics worldwide. known as a jubilee, it occurs about once every 25 years. francis will signal thejubilee by opening the normally bricked—up holy door of st peter's basilica ahead of christmas eve mass. more than 30 million catholic pilgrims are expected to visit rome during the holy year. for more on this, i spoke to jacob phillips who is a professor of theology about the significance of the jubilee year. every 25 years, there is a year which is understood to be a particularly special year, year of grace and blessings during which catholics are invited to visit rome and walk through a holy door, there are various available, and that walking through symbolises entering into this period of renewal and reconciliation and forgiveness of. and forgiveness. and when it comes to this concept happening every 25 years, just explain to us why that period between what is such an important time for catholics. it has its origins in the bible, in biblical times during the writing of

as people around the world joyfully observed christmas and bethlehem, the city christians consider the birthplace of jesus, the grief of fellow palestinians in gaza. overshadows the celebrations the live in moscow. i'm rachel ruble. this is our t international. we begin with breaking news from catholics. don, we're in azerbaijan. airlines plane has crashed with 69 people. reportedly on board emergency services say at least 29 survivors have been rescued, including 2 children. right to our seas. maureen, a customer of us here in the studio with we know some rain, a lot of moving parts to the store. a lot of new information coming in every minute . what do we know so far about the crash? yes. well, uh, what happened was the plane was actually traveling was supposed to travel from buck was or by john and it was heading to touch me as gross me when apparently it collided with a flock of birds. and now we're here in this hour that, that collision actually caused an oxygen tank on board to explode. and apparently, passengers lost consciousness, the plane sent out. and that's how i signal ove

and it is a silent night here in bethlehem. not because of peace. but because of lack of it, the square was usually filled with people, not just palestinians, but also international torres, which come to about the land, which is known as the capital of persons. that's always been my point to get people to come here for people to travel here. that is so important. and i've even seen when they go with it. you said you to this to this and that's it. can. those are avoid the realities when they're confronted with city, oddities of occupation, not just by terms of we don't have people days, a clear policy from district location to isolate our cities and particularly the birthplace of jesus christ. that's why i'm is a city that have really depends on tourism and to see shops, news on christmas eve, which is usually the peak of the season. is something usually on heard of palestinians remind us that's in the year 2023 and just before the war broke out, they were 40 books for the season before everyone council. they hope the next year will be better that th

and bethlehem is main square and no festive lights. the many torres who usually visit the palestinian city at this time of you will also absent. so let's go sideways into the abraham of gentlest in bethlehem. so what's the mood like that this year? i'm full christmas morning. a yes indeed. so it is christmas morning. but you might not know that if you're not looking at the calendar from the way bethlehem looks usually displays the square or the major square which is in front of then it's cvt church where christians believe jesus was born with the sales not only with people, but with a huge christmas tree with the palestinians from over the occupied west bank, but also from is their national tours. who would be coming to this place that is known here in palestine is proudly call is the capital of christmas. they say that they've been missing a the eyes turning to bethlehem on christmas. they've been missing ice threatening to gaza to see what's happening after more than a year over general 5. instead, they are left with a very sad mood

our correspondent, shaimaa khalil, is in bethlehem. midnight mass at the nativity church ushers in yet another sombre christmas here in bethlehem, the big celebrations have been cancelled and the ceremonies have been sombre and muted. the huge christmas tree that normally lights up and glistens in the night here in manger square is nowhere to be seen. instead, children in the procession were carrying banners calling for the end of the war in gaza. the latin patriarch ofjerusalem, the cardinal, spoke today to the crowd, he spoke about the christmas mass that he held in gaza the day before. he described the destruction, the poverty, the despair that he has seen, but he also spoke about the resilience of the gazan people, the fact they have not given up on life, that this is the message he carries from gaza. "do not give up." in the gaza strip itself, the fighting continues. details are still emerging as we hearfrom health officials in the health ministry in gaza about three hospitals being bombed overnight. the director of the hospital w

our correspondent, shaimaa khalil is in bethlehem.night mass at the nativity church ushers in yet another sombre christmas here in bethlehem, the big celebrations have been cancelled and the ceremonies have been sombre and muted. the huge christmas tree that normally lights up and glistens in the night here in manger square is nowhere to be seen. instead, children in the procession were carrying banners calling for the end of the war in gaza. the latin patriarch ofjerusalem, the cardinal, spoke today to the crowd, he spoke about the christmas mass that he held in gaza the day before. he describes the destruction, the poverty, the despair that he has seen, but he also spoke about the resilience of the gazan people, the fact they have not given up, that this is the message he carries from gaza. "do not give up." in the gaza strip itself, the fighting continues. details are still emerging as we hearfrom health officials in the health ministry in gaza about three hospitals being bombed overnight. the director of one of the hospital was gi

in bethlehem, the city christians consider the birthplace of jesus. the grief of fellow palestinians and gals over shall boost the celebration. the welcome to the news are in deepest december 25th. i'm you know, know me. we're good to have your can we begin with breaking news from kalsich stump . we're on as are by john airlines. plane has crashed with 69 people, reportedly on board. dozens are believed to have lost their lives, but emergency services, se sum 32 survivors of this stage have been rescued as well, including 2 children, a local blogger filling this up the side of the tragedy. just the snow, i met the scene of the incident about 28 kilometers from the city of opt out. judging from the fact that the plains wreckage has scattered all over the stuff. there are many victims here. according to preliminary data. they say there are also survivors. as you can see, police have cordoned off the entire perimeter and are not letting anyone else, not even journalists. well, that's welcome into the city where it takes me to call sort of a from where on

in the west bank town of bethlehem, and on the streets of ukraine.housands gathered to release christmas wishes on paper lanterns in athens, floating in the sky, like the astronauts on the international space station. >> from all of us to all of you, merry christmas. >> reporter: and back on earth, thousands gathered in mexico to admire traditional christmas radish sculptures, while santas caught a wave in cocoa beach. in germany, preparations to celebrate hanukkah, the festival of lights, which begins on sundown on christmas this year. a unique moment, and, perhaps, a sign for unity around the world. and the pope is scheduled to deliver his christmas day blessing later today. and tonight, the me norah lighting in washington, d.c. will take place to mark the beginning of hanukkah. merry christmas and happy hanukkah. >> lea mishkin, thanks. >> thanks. >>> president biden is sending a message of unity this christmas, calling for peace, kindness and compassion. president-elect donald trump is blasting him for commuting the sentences of nearly all federa

shaimaa khaliljoins us from bethlehem.