Bethlehem Christmas Tree Relit. EPA=Yonhap News. 

A brightly lit Christmas tree has returned to Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus, for the first time since the start of the Gaza Strip war.

According to the UK's BBC and AFP news agencies on the 6th (local time), Christmas celebrations, which had been suspended since the Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023, were held for the first time in three years at Manger Square in Bethlehem.

No official Christmas commemoration events were held in Bethlehem during the more than two years of the Gaza Strip war.

However, this year, a large Christmas tree adorned with red and gold decorations was erected in the center of the square. Cheers erupted when the tree was lit towards the end of the two-hour ceremony.

The tree's yellow lights twinkled, and as a bright moon illuminated the cloudy night sky, the red star at its peak shone brilliantly.

Bethlehem Christmas Event Resumes After 2 Years. AFP=Yonhap News

Thousands of local residents, including Christians and Muslims, and foreign tourists attended the event. They took selfies in front of the illuminated tree, smiling and enjoying themselves.

With the lighting of the tree, a festive atmosphere returned to Bethlehem. Foreign media reported that colorful light decorations were hung throughout the streets, and notices announcing Christmas parties were also visible.

Nadia Hajboun, a local jewelry designer, told the BBC, "I am happy that the tree is back and we can celebrate Christmas in its true spirit. I hope this Christmas can send a good message to the world if it is peaceful."

The city authorities decided to hold the festival again, following a recent ceasefire agreement, in Bethlehem, which had a quiet Christmas for the past two years.

Santa Claus Appears on Bethlehem Streets. AFP=Yonhap News

Pilgrims and tourists from around the world are also gradually returning to Bethlehem after a prolonged absence. Bookings are increasing at local hotels, which were mostly empty over the past two years.

Maher Kanaaneh, the mayor of Bethlehem, told the BBC, "The last two years were just silence with no Christmas and no jobs. We depend on tourism, and tourism dropped to zero."

Mayor Kanaaneh acknowledged that resuming the festival is a controversial issue, given the ongoing suffering from the war in Gaza.

He emphasized, "Some may say it is inappropriate, and others may say it is appropriate. However, I believe it is the right thing to do because Christmas is a beacon of hope for us and should not be stopped or canceled."