Palestinians take part in a Christmas tree–lighting event in Manger Square, next to the Church of the Nativity, traditionally regarded as the birthplace of Jesus Christ ahead of Christmas in the West Bank city of Bethlehem. (AP Photo)

A giant Christmas tree decorated with colorful baubles stood in the West Bank city of Bethlehem as the Christmas tree lighting ceremony returned to the city of Bethlehem for the first time since the Gaza war began in 2022. The Palestinian city, where Christians believe Jesus Christ was born, had refrained from celebrating Christmas publicly over the past two years due to war in Gaza.

The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas entered its second month as the holy city of Bethlehem held a ceremony on Saturday night as the 20 metre Christmas tree lit up at the e

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