A number of Palestinian protesters dressed like Santa Claus have clashed with the Israeli army while protesting in the West Bank, Bethlehem, on 18 December. Around 50 Palestinians clashed with police, with some throwing fire bombs and rocks at Israeli forces.

No casualties were reported.

A spate of stabbings, shootings and car-rammings has led to increased tension between Israel and Palestine, with a number of deaths reported.

So far 114 Palestinians,19 Israelis and one US citizen have been killed.

Much of the violence has been fueled by Palestinian frustration over the collapse of statehood talks with Israel in 2014. Israeli authorities say Palestinian websites are inciting violence in the area and encouraging stabbings.