A fragile U.S.-brokered ceasefire set the stage for celebration in Bethlehem as thousands gathered in Manger Square for the lighting of a 65-foot Christmas tree — an event Christian leaders called a hopeful sign for peace. The Israeli-occupied West Bank felt very different from the past two years, when local Christian leaders canceled public festivities while fighting raged in Gaza.
Holiday music and bagpipes filled the square as families and pilgrims took part in the traditional ceremony. Children, many of whom had missed public celebrations for years, were among the jubilant crowds. Palestinian Christians, including some who had stayed away during the conflict, expressed a guarded 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, revered as the birthplace of Jesus. Pastor Munther Isaac, an outspoken critic of the violence, described mixed emotions: people want to reclaim normal life and celebrate, yet recent reports of killings leave many conflicted during 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 he planned to meet with President Trump to discuss the plan’s next steps.
CBS News’s Imtiaz Tyab reported from Bethlehem.