Thousands of Christians have gathered in Bethlehem to celebrate Christmas.
The top Roman Catholic cleric in the Holy Land has led the annual procession from Jerusalem to Bethlehem.
Latin Patriarch Foud Twal said the region sought peace above all else.
Midnight mass is taking place next to the church built over the stall where Mary is said to have given birth to Jesus.
The BBC reports a total of 15,000 tourists are expected in the town during the Christmas period, in a year that has seen a record 1.6 million visitors.
