PA boosts security in Bethlehem amid concerns over ISIS Christmas attacks
In recent days, Palestinian forces have reportedly arrested and place in administrative detention 16 extremist Muslim militants.
By JPOST.COM STAFFUpdated: DECEMBER 25, 2015 14:59A Palestinian marching band parades during a Christmas procession at Manger Square in the West Bank town of Bethlehem(photo credit: REUTERS)
Palestinian Authority security forces bolstered their presence in Bethlehem on Friday, amid concern over possible attacks targeting pilgrims and Palestinian Christians by Islamic State supporters during the Christmas holiday.
A man takes a selfie with Israeli-Arab Issa Kassissieh as he wears a Santa Claus costume during an annual Christmas tree distribution by the Jerusalem municipality on the Mount of Olives (photo credit: REUTERS)A worshiper lights candles inside the Church of Nativity, ahead of Christmas in the West Bank city of Bethlehem (photo credit: REUTERS)A Christian man dressed up as Santa Claus rings a bell as he sits on a camel at Mt. Olives back-dropped by Jerusalem's Old City skyline (photo credit: AFP PHOTO)A Christian man dressed up as Santa Claus greets a Muslim man in Jerusalem's Old City (photo credit: AFP PHOTO)Palestinians dressed up as Santa Claus distribute gifts on a street in the West Bank city of Ramallah (photo credit: AFP PHOTO)Palestinian security forces stand guard on the roof of the Church of the Nativity as Christians gather for Christmas celebrations in the West Bank city of Bethlehem (photo credit: AFP PHOTO)A Christian worshiper prays inside the Grotto at the Church of the Nativity, believed to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ, in the West Bank biblical town of Bethlehem (photo credit: AFP PHOTO)A Palestinian dressed up as Santa Claus distributes Palestinian flags to people on a street in the West Bank city of Ramallah (photo credit: AFP PHOTO)
According to Palestinian news agency Ma'an, the PA security force had been warned of the intention by radical Salafi activists of disturbing the order. Palestinian sources say they fear a shooting or bomb attack against foreigners visiting holy Christian sites in the West Bank city, according to Ma'an.In recent days, Palestinian forces have reportedly arrested and place in administrative detention 16 extremist Muslim militants. Hundreds of worshipers and tourists from around the world arrived early on Friday to the Nativity Church in Bethlehem to celebrate Christmas morning mass at the birthplace of Jesus.The mass at the West Bank church was led by Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Fuad Twal, who also led midnight mass attended by Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and PA Prime Minister, Rami Hamdallah. This year's Christmas festivities are taking place as the recent wave of violence that started more than two months ago is still going on in the West Bank, Israel and Jerusalem.Reuters and Khaled Abu Toameh contributed to this report.
