The restoration plans were confirmed by circles within the Franciscan Custody at the request of the Catholic News Agency (KNA).
Abbas is said to have mentioned the resumption of work in the Church of the Nativity several times during his recent trip to Rome, Faltas explained according to a report by the Catholic news service Sir (Monday).
The Church of the Nativity in the centre of Bethlehem, which was inscribed on the Unesco World Heritage List in June 2012, is one of the holiest sites in Christendom. It has been extensively restored since 2013.
Emperor Constantine erected the predecessor of the present church in 326.
The main altar of the basilica, which was rebuilt in the sixth century, is located above a grotto measuring twelve by ten metres.
The birthplace of Jesus is worshipped there.
More visitors expected for Christmas mass on 25 December
After two years of severely restricted celebrations, there will once again be a central Christmas tree on Manger Square this year.
The Latin Church is expecting more visitors again this year for the Christmas Mass on the night of 25 December.
President Abbas also wants to attend the mass after a two-year absence.
At the beginning of the war triggered by the attack by the radical Islamic group Hamas on 7 October 2023, Israel completely sealed off the West Bank and erected numerous other barriers.
In the meantime, the situation at the Israeli-controlled checkpoints in the occupied Palestinian territories has improved somewhat.
Some of the first foreign tour groups are returning to the small town of Bethlehem.