Easter in Israel and the West Bank is missing a crucial component visitors.

Live from the BBC World Service.

This is the Marketplace Morning Report.

Will Bain with you again today.

Great as always to have your company.

Yes, usually thousands of tourists

head to Jerusalem and other holy sites in Israel and the West Bank during Easter but the

war in Gaza means this year is very different. The BBC's Sarah Manetta sent this report.

The sound of the bells of the Nativity Church in Bethlehem brings out across a deserted

square. The streets once brimming with tourists and pilgrims now are mostly empty and silent.

80% of the local population in Bethlehem depend on tourism.

Since October 7 everything stopped.

People are out of their jobs, facilities are close.

Lila Asphura has been working in tourism for almost 20 years.

She is an active member of the local Christian community

and says many people who have lost their jobs are now cutting down on food and other basic goods to make and meat.

Some families really are very much in need.

Many of them already left the country. The other they are living here

depending on the church's aid or the organization aid.

Have you considered living?

Seriously, at some point, yes.

I will not do it.

...