LOC10:30
07:30 GMT
RAMALLAH, Dec 25 (KUNA) -- Christian pilgrims from all around the world head to Jerusalem at this time each year to celebrate Christmas at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre before heading to Bethlehem.
The Christmas tree was lit in Jerusalem and people wearing Santa Clause's costumes, were giving candy and gifts to children in the streets.
The celebrations started by a procession of thousands of pilgrims headed by Patriarch Fouad Twal, moving from the Old City towards the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem.
Palestinian Minister of Tourism told Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) that over ten thousand tourists are expected to arrive in Palestine on Christmas Eve.
Secretary General of the Islamic-Christian organization for supporting Jerusalem and sanctuaries noted the importance of cooperating with Arab travel agencies and investors to develop tourism in Jerusalem, which is considered the cradle of religions and is attracting thousands of religious tourists.
Jerusalem was chosen as the capital of Islamic tourism for the year 2015 by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
Palestinian Minister of Awqaf and Religious Affairs welcomed the decision noting that it's a step towards supporting the city on a cultural, economic and political level.
He called on the Muslim World to support the announcement by encouraging people to visit Jerusalem which sees many violations and hardships posed by Israel, including attacking knowledge seekers who remain in the squares of Al-Aqsa Mosque, the Minister said.
nq.ag