As the infection of the new coronavirus virus spreads, the annual Christmas tree was lit up in Bethlehem, the provisional autonomous region of Palestine, the birthplace of Jesus Christ.
The expansion of the mutant virus Omicron strain has drastically reduced the number of foreign tourists, and the local tourism industry has been hit again.
Bethlehem, the Palestinian Provisional Autonomous Region, is considered the birthplace of Christ, and the square in front of the "Church of Nativity" built on the cave where Christ was born is decorated with a Christmas tree over 10 meters high every year. ..
On the 4th, locals attended and a lighting ceremony was held, and the Christmas tree was lit up according to the countdown.
Many foreign tourists visit Bethlehem every year at this time to enjoy Christmas in the sanctuary, but after the spread of the new corona, Israel, which controls the border, restricted the entry of foreigners. Was drastically reduced.
Although Israel resumed accepting tourists last month and was expected to increase tourists, the expansion of the mutant virus Omicron strain banned foreigners from entering the country again, and the local tourism industry is large. I'm being hit.
A 20-year-old Palestinian man who visited the venue said, "I have been in a strict situation such as restrictions on going out, but I feel that it has improved a little. I hope that the new coronavirus will disappear from the world in the near future." I was talking.