With a fragile, U.S.-brokered ceasefire in Gaza, Bethlehem returned to a scene of celebration as thousands gathered in Manger Square for the lighting of a 65-foot Christmas tree — a sign, Christian leaders said, of hope for peace.
The mood in the Israeli-occupied West Bank was markedly different from the previous two years, when local Christian leaders canceled public Christmas events while fighting raged in Gaza. Holiday music and bagpipes filled the square as families and pilgrims joined the traditional ceremony. Children, many of whom had not seen public festivities for years, were among the jubilant crowds.
Palestinian Christians, including families who had stayed away during the conflict, described a cautious optimism. “We’re back in Bethlehem,” one parent said. “We are feeling hopeful. We hope that every year we celebrate Christmas as we used to. Kids are so happy. We are tired of war, we are tired of sadness.”
Pilgrims also returned to the Church of the Nativity, the site venerated as the birthplace of Jesus. Pastor Munther Isaac, known for criticizing the violence, described mixed emotions: people want to reclaim normal life and celebrate, but reports of killing persist and many feel conflicted about the season.
On the diplomatic front, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the first phase of a ceasefire plan was nearly complete. Speaking alongside Germany’s chancellor, he said the next phase must include the disarmament of Hamas and indicated plans to meet with President Trump to discuss the deal’s next steps.
CBS News’s Imtiaz Tyab reported from Bethlehem.