Palestine reopens Bethlehem's Church of the Nativity after 3-month closure

RAMALLAH, PALESTINE: Palestine on Tuesday (May 22) reopened a church in the occupied West Bank as part of easing coronavirus lockdown measures. The Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem opened for worshipers after three months. Hefzi Abu Sneineh, director of endowments for Hebron province, told Anadolu Agency that the Israeli authorities allowed 50 worshipers to enter the mosque due to the pandemic. He added that the morning prayer was performed thrice to allow more people to pray. The Church of the Nativity reopened its doors to worshipers and visitors amid tight security. Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Rula Maayah told Anadolu Agency that reopening the church is a glimmer of hope for the beginning of a return to normal life, especially since the church was receiving millions of pilgrims and tourists from all over the world. The Church of the Nativity is the most prominent Christian holy site in Palestine, as it was built on the site where Jesus is believed to have been born. On Monday, Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh announced the opening of places of worship starting from Tuesday, as part of easing preventive measures against coronavirus. (Footage by Hisham K. K. Abu Shaqra/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)