What's happening at Bethlehem during the holiday season?

At Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank, the birthplace of Jesus Christ, residents and businesses are facing the effects of the Israel-Hamas war during the holiday season. The city, usually filled with tourists during this time, has much fewer - as Palestinians fear for their families' safety in Gaza. NBC News' Raf Sanchez reports.

What is the message of Bethlehem?

Reflecting a message of hope, Pizzaballa says he hopes to see the biggest Christmas tree in the city, and witness the festivities and cheering of this joyous period, restored to the holy city. Echoing the same message is Anton Salman, Mayor of Bethlehem. Salman says the message of the city to the world is always one of peace and hope.

Is Bethlehem the capital of Christmas?

“Bethlehem is the capital of Christmas. It’s supposed to be the best time of the year. None of that is happening because we’re mourning,” Rev. Munther Isaac, the pastor of Bethlehem’s Evangelical Lutheran Christmas Church, told NBC News.