Thousands gathered in Bethlehem’s Manger Square on Christmas Eve, welcoming the return of festive celebrations after two years of cancellations due to the Israel‑Hamas war.

A restored giant Christmas tree and a parade of scouts revived the city’s holiday spirit, replacing past displays that depicted baby Jesus amid rubble to reflect Gaza’s suffering.

Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa led the traditional procession from Jerusalem, urging “a Christmas full of light” and bringing greetings from Gaza’s small Christian community, where he recently held Mass and witnessed hopes for rebuilding. Despite the renewed cheer, Bethlehem continues to feel the war’s economic strain, with about 80% of its largely Muslim population relying on tourism.

Most attendees were local residents, though some noted early signs of tourism slowly returning.

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