Some 500 of the Strip's 1000-strong minority allowed to travel to Israel and the West Bank for the holiday season as Israel eases restrictions

Church leaders say normally straightforward process of getting travel rights to visit Christian holy sites in Jerusalem and the West Bank has become very difficult

After military liaison only permits travel abroad, church heads say Christians in Strip have 'the right... to celebrate the birth of Jesus the messiah in the place of his birth'

Citing security considerations, military liaison to Palestinians says permits will only be issued to travel abroad; NGO slams move as 'extreme violation'

Israeli security official confirms entry approved to capital and the West Bank; human rights group criticizes 'small, arbitrary' permit quota

Even if travel documents are issued it is unclear whether they will be able to make it to Holy City by Sunday, though many could travel later in the month for Orthodox Easter