A man decorates a nativity scene with rubble around symbolizing the destruction in Gaza and white sheets referring to the dead civilians, in Manger Square next to the Church of the Nativity, in the West Bank town of Bethlehem, Friday, Dec. 23, 2023. Bethlehem is having a subdued Christmas after officials in Jesus traditional birthplace decided to forgo celebrations due to the Israel-Hamas war. AP

An installation depicting the nativity of Christ with a figure symbolizing baby Jesus lying in his manger amid rubble , in reference to Gaza, is displayed in front of the Church of the Nativity in the city of Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank on December 23, 2023. AFP

A priest places a candle in front of an installation depicting the nativity of Christ with a figure symbolizing baby Jesus lying in his manger amid rubble , in reference to Gaza, is displayed in front of the Church of the Nativity in the city of Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank on December 23, 2023. AFP

A woman and a child light a candle next to a nativity scene decorated to honor the victims in Gaza and asking for peace, displayed in Manger Square, adjacent to the Church of the Nativity, in the West Bank town of Bethlehem, Friday, Dec. 23, 2023. Bethlehem is having a subdued Christmas after officials in Jesus traditional birthplace decided to forgo celebrations due to the Israel-Hamas war. AP

People light candles next to a nativity scene decorated to honor the victims in Gaza and asking for peace, displayed in Manger Square, adjacent to the Church of the Nativity, in the West Bank town of Bethlehem, Friday, Dec. 23, 2023. Bethlehem is having a subdued Christmas after officials in Jesus traditional birthplace decided to forgo celebrations due to the Israel-Hamas war. AP

Lights adorn the Church of the Nativity in the city of Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank on December 23, 2023. (Photo by HAZEM BADER / AFP)

Worshippers visit the Church of the Nativity, traditionally believed to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ, in the West Bank town of Bethlehem. AP

People walk by shops near the Church of the Nativity, in the West Bank town of Bethlehem, Friday, Dec. 23, 2023. Bethlehem is having a subdued Christmas after officials in Jesus traditional birthplace decided to forgo celebrations due to the Israel-Hamas war. AP

Souvenirs are displayed for sale near the Church of the Nativity, in the West Bank town of Bethlehem, Friday, Dec. 23, 2023. Bethlehem is having a subdued Christmas after officials in Jesus traditional birthplace decided to forgo celebrations due to the Israel-Hamas war.(AP Photo/Leo Correa)

Two men drink tea in Manger Square, adjacent to the Church of the Nativity, in the West Bank town of Bethlehem, Friday, Dec. 23, 2023. Bethlehem is having a subdued Christmas after officials in Jesus traditional birthplace decided to forgo celebrations due to the Israel-Hamas war. AP