• Christmas celebrations resumed in Bethlehem after two years of cancellation due to the Gaza war.
• The lighting of the Christmas tree in Manger Square marks a hopeful return of festivities.
• Local officials stress the importance of tourism for Bethlehem's economy, heavily impacted by the conflict.
• Church leaders emphasize a message of peace and the need for light during challenging times.
• Despite challenges, residents express hope as they see signs of returning tourists.

After two years of subdued Christmases, Bethlehem is celebrating the return of festive traditions with the lighting of its iconic Christmas tree in Manger Square. This year's celebrations are particularly poignant, as public festivities were halted due to the ongoing war in Gaza, which began in October 2023 following attacks by Hamas, leading to a cancellation of Christmas events in the city. The precarious ceasefire has allowed festivities to resume, offering a glimmer of hope amid a challenging landscape, according to channelnewsasia.

On Christmas Eve, thousands gathered at Manger Square, marking the first celebratory gathering since the conflict began. Families filled the square with joy, enjoying traditional songs and parades, but they faced the reality that international tourism has largely remained absent due to safety concerns. Bethlehem Mayor Maher Canawati remarked that tourism is vital for the local economy, which has suffered significantly, with hotel occupancy at record lows and unemployment soaring to as high as 70%. "Bethlehem is a place that thrives on its visitors," said Canawati, acknowledging the catastrophic economic situation faced by many residents, as highlighted by cbsnews and latimes.

Throughout the celebrations, church leaders emphasized the spiritual significance of Christmas, even amid the devastation. Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Catholic Church leader in the Holy Land, highlighted the importance of light and hope in his remarks to the assembled crowd. “After two years of darkness, we need light,” Pizzaballa stated during the traditional procession from Jerusalem, conveying greetings from the small Christian community in Gaza, according to scmp and latimes.

In response to the hardships faced over the past two years, local residents expressed a rejuvenating sense of community and hope. Many families, supported by initiatives to promote local handicrafts, are beginning to see a slow return of tourism, which is crucial for their livelihoods. “Today is a day of joy, a day of hope, the beginning of the return of normal life here,” said Bethlehem tour guide Georgette Jackaman, who noted that this Christmas marked a significant occasion for her children and the community alike. Despite ongoing tensions, including military activities and conflicts in the surrounding areas, there was optimism among Bethlehem's residents about a gradual return to normalcy, as reflected in the sentiments of channelnewsasia, cbsnews, scmp, and latimes.