The Nativity Store in Manger Square in Bethlehem has sold handmade olive wood carvings and religious items to pilgrims visiting the Church of the Nativity, where Christianity holds Jesus was born, since 1927. But as Bethlehem prepares to mark its second Christmas under the shadow of the war in Gaza, Manger Square is empty of tourists, and many stores and businesses aren’t sure how much longer they can hold on. (AP video shot by Imad Isseid)

Bethlehem prepares for second Christmas under shadow of Gaza war

The Nativity Store in Manger Square in Bethlehem has sold handmade olive wood carvings and religious items to pilgrims visiting the Church of the Nativity, where Christianity holds Jesus was born, since 1927. But as Bethlehem prepares to mark its second Christmas under the shadow of the war in Gaza, Manger Square is empty of tourists, and many stores and businesses aren’t sure how much longer they can hold on. (AP video shot by Imad Isseid)