Special envoy to Bethlehem (West Bank).
This last Sunday morning before Christmas, the bells of the Basilica of the Nativity are pounding.
Masses of Orthodox, Latin and Armenian rite follow one another in the sanctuary and in the adjoining Saint-Catherine church, reserved for Catholics.
Under the nave, the cave where, according to tradition, Christ was born, is deserted.
A Greek priest watches over the place, usually invaded at the end of the year by pilgrims.
Half a million visitors were expected for the holidays.
They are but a handful, like those members of the staff of the United States Embassy in Jerusalem, gathered on the forecourt of one of the oldest churches in the world.
A disaster city
A wind of hope had however blown on Bethlehem in November, with the reopening of Israeli territory to foreigners after twenty months of border closures.
The Palestinians quickly became disillusioned.
Tourists once again became persona non grata as soon as the Omicron variant appeared ...
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