For a second straight year, the war raging in Gaza has kept pilgrims and tourists away from Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank, where Christmas tourism makes up about 70% of the city's economy. Imtiaz Tyab has more.

Faith leaders and residents in Bethlehem are grappling with how to mark the festive holiday while fellow Palestinians continue to be killed.

The city of Bethlehem in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, the traditional birthplace of Jesus, will not have the usual trappings of the city's favorite holiday: no public Christmas tree, no raucous scouts march,

Bethlehem is preparing for another somber Christmas under the shadow of war in Gaza. BETHLEHEM, West Bank — Bethlehem prepared Tuesday to mark another somber Christmas in the traditional birthplace of Jesus under the shadow of war in Gaza.

For the second consecutive year, the city of Bethlehem in the southern West Bank is commemorating Christmas this year without the usual festive displays, mourning for Gaza amidst the ongoing Israeli genocide that has persisted for nearly 15 months.

The usual crowds of tourists and fest of lights are missing in Bethlehem for the second year, under the shadow of the war in Gaza. NBC News’ Raf Sanchez spoke with Nuha Tarazi, who shared how difficult it is to celebrate while her family suffers in Gaza.

Hundreds of people gathered at the Church of the Nativity in the Christian holy city of Bethlehem on Tuesday to mark another solemn Christmas amid the Gaza genocide.

Happiness comes from what happens. Joy comes from a much deeper place, and it doesn’t matter what’s going on around you."