Hundreds of people gathered in Bethlehem’s Manger Square in the occupied West Bank to watch the lighting of a giant Christmas tree – as festive celebrations returned to the town for the first time since the Gaza war began.<\/p>\n
People could be seen singing and dancing among the twinkling lights that adorned the square in front of the historic Nativity Church, while a Santa helped distribute sweet treats.<\/p>\n
Residents welcomed the celebrations, with one saying she hoped “this light will lead us to better things ahead”.<\/p>\n
Resuming celebrations was not without controversy, as suffering continues in Gaza, but Bethlehem Mayor Maher Canawati: “Deep inside my heart, I felt that this was the right thing to do because Christmas should never be stopped or cancelled.”<\/p>\n