BETHLEHEM, West Bank (AP) _ The Christmas season is under way in the West Bank city of Bethlehem, where the Bible says Jesus Christ was born.

Palestinian Muslims as well as Christians participated in a festive parade over the weekend.

Christians make up only a small percentage of Israelis and Palestinians in the Holy Land.

Bethlehem is ringed on three sides by a barrier which Israel says is meant to keep out Palestinian militants. A large gray wall separates it from nearby Jerusalem and tourists entering Bethlehem must pass through a military checkpoint with barbed wire and watchtowers.

Israeli and Palestinian officials have worked closely in recent years, however, to coordinate the movement of pilgrims.