Bethlehem festooned with Christmas decorations

Bethlehem shines on Christmas Eve Bethlehem  - Sona Adeak Despite the Israeli siege imposed on the Palestinian territories, and the attacks of extremist settlers on the streets connecting Palestinian cities and  in addition to the poor economic conditions which  Bethlehem is fully prepared to host thousands of Palestinians, Arabs, and foreigners to celebrate Christmas and New Year’s. Streets, houses, neighborhoods, and public places are fully decorated with lights and Christmas decorations, giving Bethlehem a joyful glamor.
Palestinian Minister of Tourism Khuloud Deibis told ‘Arabstoday’ that Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is to arrive Saturday evening to Bethlehem, to join the midnight mass in  presence of thousands of worshipers and celebrators.
Deibis added that Christians of different sects from Gaza Strip started arriving to Bethlehem to participate in the Christmas celebrations, noting that the city is fully prepared and equipped to host these celebrations with abundance of decorations, arrangements for traffic, and a program for the festivities. Deibis stated that it would be more organized this year, which would allow everyone to reach the square and participate in the celebrations, stressing that this year would be distinctive, as law and order would be imposed on the city.  
From his part, spokesman of the Palestinian ministry of tourism Joris Qomsiya confirmed to ‘Arabstoday’ that the city of peace is fully equipped, noting that his ministry strives to develop tourism in Palestine and bring out the Palestinian identity. Qomsiya said that Bethlehem will receive thousands of worshipers and celebrators, of popular and official presence, especially with the arrival of patriarch Fouad Twal’s procession from Jerusalem in a welcoming ceremony, where there will be chimes prior to the entrance of the procession, in addition to scouts walking the streets of the city toward Manger square and the Omar Ibn-El-Khattab mosque.
Police chief of Bethlehem, Lieutenant Khalid Tamimi, told ‘Arabstoday’ that the police forces are ready in and charge of providing the appropriate atmosphere for the Christmas celebrations, explaining that there would car parking would be provided near Manger square in various places, to avoid car traffic or parking problems.
Tamimi said that the police prepared a plan, in coordination and cooperation with religious leaders in the Latin Church and designated religious and governmental institutions, in order to avoid errors and find alternatives for civilians’ movement inside Bethlehem, during the official procession of the Latin Church patriarch in Palestine and Jordan, His Beatitude Fouad Twal, who is to arrive from Jerusalem through the northern entrance of Bethlehem. He said that all entrances and sub-streets leading to Manger square will be blocked for vehicles, except for security, ambulance, and cars with permits, adding that no cars will be allowed to park in Manger street from Paradise hotel till the central bus station, as well as from Intercontinental hotel till al-Radi junction.