MIDEAST-PALESTINIAN-ISRAEL-CHRISTMAS

Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas (2ndR) follows Jerusalem's Patriarch Michel Sabbah (L) during the Christmas mass at the Nativity Church, 24 December 2006 in the biblical city of Bethlehem. Despite clear skies and crisp weather, the mood was grim in Bethlehem on Sunday as the faithful flocked to the birthplace of Jesus Christ for annual Christmas celebrations. AFP PHOTO/MUSA AL-SHAER