Palestinian leader back in Bethlehem for Christmas
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Interim Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas arrived in Bethlehem under heavy security this evening for Christmas celebrations. It was the first time in four years that a Palestinian leader has spent the holiday in the traditional birthplace of Jesus.
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Christians in Bethlehem, considered to be Jesus&#39; birthplace, pleaded for help in a radio report Wednesday, September 29, as Israeli soldiers pounded alleged militant positions killing at least six Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
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As memorial posters of Yasser Arafat fade fast in Bethlehem&#39;s Manger Square, Palestinians in the birthplace of Jesus dare to hope this Christmas will not be as bleak as the last few.
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BETHLEHEM, West Bank -- Several thousand pilgrims celebrated Christmas Eve in the traditional birthplace of Jesus yesterday, voicing hopes for peace in the Middle East.
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In the latest sign that Israeli-Palestinian relations are warming since the death of Yasser Arafat, Israel is allowing free travel into Bethlehem this Christmas Eve.
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Israel allowed free travel into Bethlehem on Christmas Eve and handed out candy to Palestinians and foreign pilgrims at roadblocks, the latest sign that Israeli-Palestinian relations have warmed since the death of Yasser Arafat.
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Bethlehem, the traditional birthplace of Jesus, has been turned into a large prison by the separation barrier Israel is building in the West Bank, the top Roman Catholic clergyman in the Holy Land said yesterday.
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BETHLEHEM, West Bank  - Muslims and Christians united in the hope that the festive season will herald a new dawn after four years of violence, attending midnight mass in Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus Christ.
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BETHLEHEM, West Bank  - Thousands of pilgrims gathered in Bethlehem on Monday for a Christmas mass promoted by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Western powers as a chance to highlight the benefits of peacemaking.
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Palestinians lit a four-story Christmas tree in this biblical town Saturday, kicking off a holiday season free of fighting with Israel that officials say will bring the most pilgrims since hostilities broke out seven years ago.
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to Ramallah by helicopter. Palestinians welcomed his return as if he was still alive, chanting, &quot;Welcome Abu Ammar, welcome the old man.
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The patriarch of Jerusalem has called for an end to the violence which he said has turned Palestinian towns into prisons. Michel Sabbah made the plea during prayers at the annual Christmas mass in Bethlehem on Saturday.
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BETHLEHEM, West Bank  - Bethlehem souvenir store owner Mike Canawati is gearing up for his merriest Christmas in years.
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Israeli nuclear whistleblower  Mordechai Vanunu was freed on Saturday after being detained  trying to get into the Palestinian town of Bethlehem for  Christmas in defiance of restrictions, police said.
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President Bush on Wednesday resumed  direct assistance to the Palestinian Authority as part of a  renewed push for peace following the death of long-time leader  Yasser Arafat.
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JERICHO, West Bank A Palestinian leader who is campaigning to take the place of the late Yasser Arafat is pledging to follow in the footsteps of the longtime leader.
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Gloom was banished from Christmas celebrations in Bethlehem for the first time in years on Monday as Christian pilgrims from all over the world flocked here to celebrate Jesus' birth in an atmosphere of renewed tranquility.