A giant Christmas tree has been lit in Bethlehem for the first time since the start of the Gaza war, as a fragile ceasefire enters its second month. The 20-metre tree, adorned with red and gold baubles, was illuminated at Manger Square on Saturday evening, drawing thousands of Palestinians from across the West Bank and Israel.
The Palestinian city, revered as the birthplace of Jesus, had refrained from public Christmas celebrations for the past two years due to the conflict. The last lighting was in 2022. Randa Bsoul, a 67-year-old from Haifa, said: 'We came to celebrate, watch and enjoy, because for several years we haven't had the chance.'
The war in Gaza, which began in October 2023 after a Hamas attack on Israel, has devastated the territory and killed over 70,000 people, according to reports. Although Gaza is 60km from Bethlehem, the conflict has severely affected the West Bank, shrinking tourism and tightening Israeli restrictions on movement.
Bethlehem's mayor, Maher Canawati, said: 'As Bethlehem lights its Christmas tree, the deep anguish endured by our people in Gaza does not leave our hearts. The light of Christmas has no meaning unless it first touches the hearts of the afflicted.'
Residents expressed hope for peace. Diana Babush, a Palestinian in her fifties, said: 'We are looking for hope. We hope that we can have peace and prosperity.' Unlike previous years, no fireworks followed the lighting, reflecting the uncertainty of the future.
