Christian pilgrims from across the world flocked to Bethlehem to celebrate the birth of Jesus today.

Christians around the world celebrated Christmas today with the Pope leading prayers for peace and a more tranquil future, pilgrims flocking to Bethlehem and Iraqis staying away from church amid fears of bomb attacks.

Armed Palestinians besieged by Israeli forces in Bethlehem’s Church of the Nativity were today running out of food but refusing to surrender.