Bethlehem Lights Up Again After Gaza War Silence

The historic city of Bethlehem illuminated its traditional Christmas tree for the first time since the Gaza war began, marking the return of public festivities after two years of cancellations.

The lighting ceremony took place in Manger Square, in front of the Nativity Church — the site where Christians believe Jesus was born. The decision follows the recent ceasefire, which allowed the city to revive its annual celebrations.

Bethlehem Mayor Maher Canawati said the move brought renewed hope after two difficult years for residents.
“It has been two years of silence — no Christmas, no jobs, no work,” he said, noting that Bethlehem’s economy relies heavily on tourism. “Some believe it may not be appropriate, given the suffering in Gaza, but Christmas should never be cancelled. This celebration is our light of hope.”

Local families, both Christian and Muslim, gathered to take photos under the red-and-gold-decorated tree, joined by a small number of international tourists. Streets across Bethlehem have been lit with festive lights, and signs for Christmas bazaars and children’s events have returned.

Jewellery designer Nadya Hazboun welcomed the revival of celebrations.
“We’re very happy to have the tree back and to see tourists again,” she said. “This is where Christmas began, and we hope the message of peace from Bethlehem reaches the world.”

Neighbouring towns, including Beit Jala and Beit Sahour, are preparing to light their Christmas trees in the coming days. Local hotels, empty for much of the past two years, have seen a rise in bookings from Palestinian citizens of Israel and some foreign visitors.

However, many souvenir shops and guides outside the Nativity Church say business remains slow. Once crowded with pilgrims, the Fourth-Century church now receives just a trickle of visitors.

Tour guide Hamza said ongoing media coverage makes tourists believe the West Bank is unsafe. “Without tourism, there is no life here,” he said. “We hope people start coming back like before.”

Bethlehem’s economy has been hit hard since the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel in October 2023. Tens of thousands of Palestinian workers from the West Bank have since been barred from entering Israel for jobs, causing unemployment to soar.

Meanwhile, Palestinian Authority employees continue to receive only partial salaries after Israel withheld more than $1.7 billion in tax revenues. Israel says the freeze is due to PA payments to Palestinian prisoners, while the PA insists it has reformed its welfare system.

Despite the challenges, Bethlehem residents say the Christmas tree lighting marks a symbolic restart — a moment of hope amid a difficult chapter for the region.