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BETHLEHEM, Dec 24: Thousands of pilgrims descended on Bethlehem on Saturday as the birthplace of Jesus Christ enjoyed its busiest Christmas of the young century.
Municipal officials and shop owners said that the number of foreign visitors was higher than at any other stage since the Palestinian uprising broke out five years ago, devastating the tourist industry.
All visitors had to enter Bethlehem from Jerusalem via a huge security terminal in a gap in the towering concrete barrier that has cut Bethlehem off from the Holy City.—AFP
