A giant Christmas tree adorned with red and gold baubles stands in the West Bank city of Bethlehem for the first time since 2022.
The Palestinian city, revered by Christians as the birthplace of Jesus, had refrained from public Christmas celebrations over the past two years as war raged in Gaza.
But as a precarious ceasefire in Gaza enters its second month, the city held a ceremony last night, lighting up the 20-metre tree at the edge of Manger Square.
Thousands of Palestinians from across the West Bank and Israel filled the square, erupting in cheers when the tree's lights were turned on shortly before 8pm.
Randa Bsoul, a 67-year-old Palestinian from Haifa in Israel came to celebrate, watch and enjoy, because for several years we haven't had the chance.
Israel’s war on Gaza has killed more than 70,000 Palestinians and devastated life for millions, while also crippling tourism and tightening restrictions across the West Bank.
Bethlehem residents say the past two years have been unbearable, with new checkpoints, economic collapse, displacement and continued Israeli raids despite a fragile truce.
Bethlehem’s mayor says the city’s Christmas celebrations carry little meaning while Gaza continues to suffer, stressing that the pain of Gazans is shared by all Palestinians.
Despite two years of hardship, locals hope the season will spark peace, relief and a sense of hope for those enduring the crisis.
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