WATCH: Christmas tree lighting ceremony takes place in Bethlehem for first time since start of Gaza war
The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas entered its second month as the holy city of Bethlehem held a ceremony on Saturday night as the 20 metre Christmas tree lit up at the edge of Manger Square.
Palestinians take part in a Christmas tree–lighting event in Manger Square, next to the Church of the Nativity, traditionally regarded as the birthplace of Jesus Christ ahead of Christmas in the West Bank city of Bethlehem. (AP Photo)
A giant Christmas tree decorated with colorful baubles stood in the West Bank city of Bethlehem as the Christmas tree lighting ceremony returned to the city of Bethlehem for the first time since the Gaza war began in 2022. The Palestinian city, where Christians believe Jesus Christ was born, had refrained from celebrating Christmas publicly over the past two years due to war in Gaza.
The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas entered its second month as the holy city of Bethlehem held a ceremony on Saturday night as the 20 metre Christmas tree lit up at the edge of Manger Square, Reuters reported. Thousands of Palestinians from the West Bank and Israel filled the square amid loud cheers and celebrations as the tree’s lightly illuminated around 8pm (local time).
Today Palestinians lit the Bethlehem Christmas tree.
From the land of Christianity, Palestine and from the town of Jesus, Bethlehem, we wish peace upon the world 🇵🇸 pic.twitter.com/pvKeXrpqzl
“We came to celebrate, watch and enjoy, because for several years we haven’t had the chance,” said Randa Bsoul, a Palestinian from Haifa in Israel, Reuters reported.
Israel’s continued assault on Gaza for the past two years destroyed the territory which is home to 2 million people. The death toll in Gaza crossed over 70,000 last month, according to the Gaza run health ministry. The war began on October 7, 2023 when militant group Hamas launched a surprise attack in Israel, killing about 1,200 people and taking another 250 as hostage.
Palestinians take part in a Christmas tree–lighting event in Manger Square, next to the Church of the Nativity, traditionally regarded as the birthplace of Jesus Christ ahead of Christmas in the West Bank city of Bethlehem. (AP Photo)
Though after the ceasefire was announced in October this year, the holy city decided to resume the Christmas festivities which is symbolised by the lighting up of its Christmas tree in front of the historic Nativity Church.
Bethlehem Mayor Maher Canawati said, “It’s been a bad two years of silence; no Christmas, no jobs, no work. We’re all living here from tourism and tourism was down to zero,” BBC reported.
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Brightly coloured lights now surround the city’s streets with signs visible which are advertising about Christmas markets and children’s parties. Locals, both Christians and Muslims, posed in front of the Christmas tree for photographs.
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Palestinians take part in a Christmas tree–lighting event in Manger Square, next to the Church of the Nativity, traditionally regarded as the birthplace of Jesus Christ ahead of Christmas in the West Bank city of Bethlehem. (AP Photo) 
