Christmas tree and Nativity scene in Bethlehem

Bells rang out around Bethlehem on Friday as the traditional birthplace of Jesus celebrated Christmas Day, albeit in a much more subdued atmosphere.Thousands usually flock to the city to celebrate the birth of Christ but due to the coronavirus pandemic this year has been a little different.

The closure of Israel’s international airport to foreign tourists, along with Palestinian restrictions banning intercity travel in the areas they administer in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, kept visitors away.Similar subdued scenes were repeated across the world as the festive family gatherings and packed prayers that typically mark the holiday were scaled back or canceled altogether.

(Image Credit: AP)