Arab countries call off New Year parties over Gaza

01/01/09 07:51 CET

Gaza Crisis

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New Year celebrations in a number of Arab countries have been cancelled as a gesture of solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.

In Bethlehem, the bombardment of Hamas-ruled areas sparked a candlit vigil instead.

Egypt, Dubai, Jordan, Bahrain and Syria did not mark the start of 2009 with a party either.

Morocco cancelled New Year variety shows on television.