Three Palestinians have been arrested on suspicion of setting fire to a Christmas tree and damaging a Nativity scene at a Catholic Church in the West Bank city of Jenin.

A polar low-pressure system accompanied by heavy rain and strong winds swept across the Gaza Strip on Saturday. It is the third polar low to affect the Palestinian territory this winter, with a fourth low-pressure system forecast to hit the area starting on Monday, meteorologist Laith al-Allami told the Anadolu news agency.

Twelve European countries as well as Canada and Japan have condemned Israel’s decision earlier in the month to approve 19 new Jewish settlements in the Occupied West Bank saying the move harmed the prospects for long term peace and security in the region.

Barefoot children played on chilly sand as Gaza’s thousands of displaced people prepared threadbare tents for another round of winter rain.

Since the cease-fire took effect, Israel says it has targeted only militants. But death can come for Gazans while on a family outing or sleeping in a tent.

A local Gaza hospital says Israeli troops fired over the ceasefire line in the northern Gaza Strip, killing at least five Palestinians, including a baby.

Three Palestinians accused of torching a Christmas tree and damaging part of a Nativity scene at a West Bank Catholic church were arrested.