Easter celebrations disrupted by Israeli siege

BETHLEHEM, West Bank: Their tables are laden with colored eggs and pastries, but Orthodox Christians in the town of Christ's birthplace are glum as they prepare to celebrate Easter under an Israeli curfew.

"It is the first time in 2,000 years that such a thing happens. The Christians cannot go to church, the Muslims cannot go to the mosque", said Greek Orthodox priest Jiryis Marzuka, who regularly celebrates the eucharist at the Church of the Nativity, besieged for the past month by the Israeli army.

Stuck at home with his wife and children by the Israeli-imposed curfew, Father Marzuka fears he may not even be able to attend any service this Easter.

For many centuries, a procession has departed from Jerusalem's Church of the Holy Sepulcher, where Christians believe Jesus was buried, carrying a candle-lit lantern to Bethlehem some 10 kilometres (six miles) to the south.