Scuffles break out as patriarch arrives at Bethlehem's Nativity Church
- 9 years ago
ROUGH CUT (NO REPORTER NARRATION)
STORY: A brawl between a marching band and security forces escorting the Jerusalem's Latin Patriarch, broke out on Wednesday (December 24) as the clergymen arrived at Bethlehem's Manger Square to lead Christmas Eve's celebrations.
Footage filmed Ma'an news agency showed Patriarch Fouad Twal hurriedly being escorted away as members of the band, wearing red berets, and security personnel skirmished in the middle of a large crowd.
Later the patriarch can be seen walking unharmed towards the Church of Nativity, built above the grotto where Christians believe Jesus was born
It is not clear what caused the confrontation.
Thousands of pilgrims and dignitaries are expected to flock to Bethlehem in the West Bank for a midnight Christmas Mass.
STORY: A brawl between a marching band and security forces escorting the Jerusalem's Latin Patriarch, broke out on Wednesday (December 24) as the clergymen arrived at Bethlehem's Manger Square to lead Christmas Eve's celebrations.
Footage filmed Ma'an news agency showed Patriarch Fouad Twal hurriedly being escorted away as members of the band, wearing red berets, and security personnel skirmished in the middle of a large crowd.
Later the patriarch can be seen walking unharmed towards the Church of Nativity, built above the grotto where Christians believe Jesus was born
It is not clear what caused the confrontation.
Thousands of pilgrims and dignitaries are expected to flock to Bethlehem in the West Bank for a midnight Christmas Mass.