Christmas celebrations returned to the streets of the Palestinian city of Bethlehem, in the occupied West Bank, for the first time in two years, as a traditional procession made its way from occupied Jerusalem to the West Bank city of Bethlehem, which had suspended festivities during the genocide in Gaza.
The procession was led by the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, who is scheduled to preside over Midnight Mass according to the Western Christian calendar at the Church of the Nativity — revered as the birthplace of Jesus.
Hundreds of participants lined the narrow Star Street, the historic route leading to Manger Square and the Church of the Nativity.
At the center of the square, a towering Christmas tree decorated with red and gold ornaments added a sense of renewed festivity to a city long overshadowed by the ongoing Israeli escalation and violations.
Celebrations Resume After Two Years of Genocide
Bethlehem had cancelled its traditional Christmas events for the past two years due to the genocide in Gaza. But after a ceasefire agreement took effect on October 10, public celebrations cautiously returned, including the installation of a large Christmas tree outside the Church of the Nativity.
Father Fadi Abu Sa’da
Scout groups marched in formation along Star Street toward Manger Square, accompanied by drums, brass instruments, and Palestinian flags.
Residents from Bethlehem and neighboring towns gathered to watch the parade and welcome the revival of a cherished tradition.
Cardinal Pizzaballa had visited Gaza over the weekend, where he led a Christmas service for the Holy Family Parish, according to Al‑Jazeera’s reporting on his pastoral activities.
A City Celebrating Under Siege
Despite the festive atmosphere, Bethlehem remains under heavy Israeli restrictions. Military roadblocks, Walls, closures, and movement barriers continue to disrupt daily life, hinder the local economy, and severely impact the tourism sector — a lifeline for the city’s residents.
Bethlehem is a major spiritual and cultural destination for Christian pilgrims who travel each December to visit the Church of the Nativity, built above the grotto where Mary gave birth to Jesus.
The city’s mayor, Hanna Hanania said Bethlehem has endured “harsh conditions” due to Israeli closures, economic pressure, and the collapse of tourism over the past two years. Yet he emphasized that the city remains resilient.
“The return of Christmas celebrations is a message of hope to the world,” he said, describing Bethlehem as a place committed to peace and its humanitarian mission. He added that the municipality has worked to revive the tourism sector through initiatives aimed at restoring visitors’ confidence and stimulating the local economy.
Video By The Palestinian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities
“Even under exceptional circumstances,” he said, “the celebrations offer a significant morale boost and symbolize the city’s determination to withstand isolation and marginalization.”
Israeli Restrictions on Palestinian Officials
In a related development, Israel allowed Hussein al‑Sheikh, the Palestinian Authority’s deputy president, to enter Bethlehem on Wednesday evening to attend Midnight Mass, following U.S. intervention. Earlier in the day, his office had announced that Israeli authorities initially barred him from reaching the city.
President Mahmoud Abbas had appointed al‑Sheikh to represent him at the ceremony, but Israeli forces prevented his convoy from entering Bethlehem before later reversing the decision.
