In Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus Christ, scouts led a procession on Christmas Eve, celebrating the Palestinian city’s first Christmas celebration in over two years, due to the adverse effects of the War in Gaza.
The Gaza War, which started with Hamas’s strike on Israel in October 2023, led to the practice of solemn and subdued Christmas celebrations in Bethlehem.
However, on the eve of Christmas, festivities resumed in the occupied West Bank city, as a delicate ceasefire persisted in the Gaza Strip, where hundreds of thousands of individuals are enduring winter in temporary shelters.
In Bethlehem, the air was alive with the sound of drums and bagpipes performing popular Christmas carols, as Christians of all ages gathered and made their way to the city’s central Manger Square.
Milagros Anstas, 17, said, “Today is full of joy because we haven’t been able to celebrate because of the war.” Hundreds of people took part in the parade down Bethlehem’s narrow Star Street.
A mammoth crowd gathered in Manger Square, while a few onlookers watched the celebrations from the comfort of their homes from the balcony.
Katiab Amaya, an 18-year-old scout, said the return of the celebrations was a meaningful sign of the Christian community’s continued presence in the area.
“It gives us hope that there are still Christians here celebrating and we are still keeping the traditions,” she said.
A truce brokered by the United States between Israel and Hamas, which began in October, has brought an end to large-scale fighting in Gaza, though many people continue to endure hardship after losing their homes and family members.
“These celebrations are more of hope to our people in Gaza… that they will one day celebrate and live life again,” Amaya said.
For Bethlehem in particular, whose economy depends entirely on tourism, the war in Gaza deterred visitors for extended stretches and caused unemployment to rise rapidly, and they are looking forward to moving forward.
Christians are gradually returning to the holy land.
“Bethlehem is a very special place,” said George Hanna, from the neighboring town of Beit Jala.
“We need to get the message to the whole world, and this is the only way,” he added.
“What is Christmas without celebrating?”
