Bethlehem becoming a giant prison: Latin Patriarch

In his traditional pre-Christmas press conference, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Michel Sabbah also appealed for leaders on both sides in the Middle East conflict to work harder to put an end to bloodshed.

Thousands of pilgrims are expected to flock to Bethlehem over the weekend where Sabbah will conduct the midnight mass service on Christmas eve.

However Bethlehem's economy has shrivelled in the five years since the start of the Palestinian uprising as overall tourist numbers have nosedived while its residents have found themselves cut off from neighbouring Jerusalem by the giant barrier which Israel says is needed to prevent attacks on its territory.

"Bethlehem is now a big prison," Sabbah told reporters on Wednesday.

"It is abnormal for people to live in a prison. It is influencing the economic and social life of the people of Bethlehem."

Sabbah, who is himself Palestinian, said that an end to the conflict with Israel was long overdue.

"It is necessary to put an end to the suffering that has lasted too long on this land," he said.

"We hope that our leaders will now take the time and will expend their energies to accomplish what should have been accomplished a long time ago -- peace and justice for two people living side by side in peace and as good neigbhours."

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