Meanwhile, in the West Bank, Israeli forces fired tear gas and rubber-coated steel bullets to disperse a protest of Palestinians on Friday, ahead of Christmas celebrations in Bethlehem, where Christians believe Jesus was born. The crackdown came as Palestinians—many dressed as Santa Claus—approached Israel’s massive separation barrier. Protesters were demanding unrestricted access to Jerusalem; they currently must apply for permits to travel to the city, which borders Bethlehem to the north.