The Christmas Tree Lighting Illuminates Once Again Since the Start of the Gaza War

Throughout a two-year period during the conflict in Gaza, every festive public event for Christmas were cancelled within the city of Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank. This city is where the faithful hold Jesus was born.

But, following the recent ceasefire, this sacred city determined that now the festivities would return, as symbolised by the illumination of its customary, large holiday tree before the historic Nativity Church.

"It's been a bad two years without celebration; no Christmas, no employment, no work," remarks Bethlehem Mayor Maher Canawati. "We're all living here on tourism and tourism had fallen to zero."

The mayor acknowledges that the decision of resuming celebrations was not without controversy, as suffering continues in Gaza – including for members of the tiny Christian community, who often have family ties to Bethlehem.

"Certain voices argue it is unsuitable and others say it's appropriate," Mr Canawati explains. "However, in my heart, I believed this constituted the correct action to take since the Christmas season should never be stopped or cancelled. This represents a beacon of hope for us."

A Spark of Celebration Reappears

Residents – from both Christian and Muslim faiths – take photographs in front of the tree decorated with red and gold baubles in Manger Square. They are joined by a handful of international visitors.

Brightly coloured lights now decorate the streets and there are signs advertising holiday markets and children's parties.

"We're very happy to have the tree, first of all, and to see foreigners to Bethlehem and to have the chance to celebrate Christmas in its true spirit," comments Bethlehem designer Nadya Hazboun.

"This place is where it all started, therefore here is where we can convey a message globally about what Christmas truly should be about. And now, if Christmas is peaceful, I sincerely hope it will bring a positive message for the whole world."

Economic Prospects and Difficulties

Nearby towns of Beit Jala and Beit Sahour are also planning to illuminate Christmas trees soon. Hotels – which have remained largely empty for the past two years – have an influx of bookings from Arab citizens of Israel along with certain international tourists.

One tourist from Russia, named Angelica, is making her second pilgrimage to this region. "In my view everyone needs to come at minimum one time during their lifetime," she states.

"I hope many visitors will soon come back because it's sad with few tourists. The sole aspect that is positive is there are no long lines – you can come and see more things. When I came before you had to wait in line for a few hours minimum."

For now, the souvenir stores dotted around the city experience scant trade, and near the pale walls of the Nativity Church, which originate from the Fourth Century, guides largely stand idle. Prior to the Gaza war, it was typically packed with people.

"This is a tourist city; without tourism there is no livelihood," laments one guide Hamza. "We aspire to have people returning like before: from European nations, the Middle East, the Americas, Latin American and all over. We start with lighting the tree, and we'll wait."

The Lingering Economic Toll

Over the last two years, joblessness has soared within Bethlehem. Since the deadly Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel during October 2023 that sparked the conflict, tens of thousands of Palestinian workers from the West Bank have been prevented from entering Israel and Israeli settlements to work.

Meanwhile, public servants have received only partial salaries by the Palestinian Authority (PA) – which governs areas within the West Bank. The PA depends on tax income gathered by Israel, which it is withholding – to the tune of $1.76 billion, as reported by a UN agency.

Israel says they are retaining these funds due to the fact that the Authority provides financial payments to incarcerated Palestinians that encourage attacks on Israelis. The PA – which has been under international pressure to make reforms – claims it has lately modified its social welfare system.

An Austere Christmas Season

The bleak economic outlook implies that for many Christian Palestinians, even though there are now public events in addition to religious services, it will be an austere Christmas.

On the periphery of Manger Square, some patrons wait to purchase sizzling balls of falafel from a row of shops.

"We're preparing for Christmas following one of our hardest periods as Palestinians and as a Christian community," states one restaurant owner, an owner of a restaurant called Afteem, a decades-old family restaurant that has witnessed its revenues collapse. He notes lately many families could not even purchase falafel – a cheap, traditional snack.

"Christians will try to mark the occasion but based on their situation," Mr Salameh expects. "Someone who wants to bring their children to a festival or a show or whatever, he doesn't have the funds to spend for this celebration."

Prayers for Peace and Prosperity

Within the grotto beneath the Nativity Church, a local woman accompanies a small Indian tour group, stooping down near a silver star that indicates the location where tradition states Jesus was born and lighting a light close by.

Amid ongoing high tensions across the region, people in Bethlehem state they are praying for peace – and hoping for visitors to return to the place which is thought to be Christmas began.