Christmas celebrations returned to the occupied West Bank city of Bethlehem after two years of war in Gaza. Imtiaz Tyab reports on the festivities and hope for economic recovery.
The mood in Manger Square was electric as the tree was lit and the crowd burst into tears. For two years, Christmas was effectively canceled here as the war in Gaza raged. While a U.S.-brokered ceasefire has not entirely ended the violence in Gaza or the West Bank, Palestinian Christians say they see hope in celebrating.
Beneath the lights and ornaments, there is another grim reality: Bethlehem’s economy, almost entirely dependent on tourism, is near collapse after years with few visitors or Christian pilgrims. Still, Palestinians here say their faith is stronger than ever and that Christmas is back in Bethlehem.