By Nidal al-Mughrabi

GAZA (Reuters) - Every year in the run-up to Christmas, jeweller Melad al-Amash puts gold Santa Claus figurines and miniature Christmas trees on display at his shop in Gaza.

This year however, the coronavirus pandemic is keeping traditional customers away from the 500-year-old gold market, a narrow lane lined by tiny shops under a vaulted roof. Amash says his business is down by half compared to the same period in 2019.