Bethlehem Marks First Joyful Christmas Since Gaza War

Bethlehem celebrated its first festive Christmas in over two years on Wednesday, emerging from the shadow of the Gaza war. Scouts marched under a clear blue sky as the biblical city welcomed the season with renewed hope and cheer.

During the Gaza conflict that began with Hamas’s attack on Israel in October 2023, Christmases in Bethlehem were subdued. This year, however, festivities returned to the occupied West Bank city amid a fragile truce in Gaza, where hundreds of thousands continue to endure winter in makeshift shelters.

In Vatican City, Pope Leo XIV was scheduled to deliver his first Christmas Mass at Saint Peter’s Basilica, calling for “24 hours of peace in the whole world.” Elected in May following Pope Francis’s death, the new pope has maintained a conciliatory approach while continuing his predecessor’s focus on immigration and social justice.

In Bethlehem, drumbeats and bagpipes filled the air as Christians gathered in Manger Square, home to the Church of the Nativity. Seventeen-year-old scout Milagros Anstas said, “Today is full of joy because we haven’t been able to celebrate because of the war.” Hundreds paraded along Star Street, with crowds filling the square and spectators watching from balconies. A towering Christmas tree adorned with red and gold ornaments stood beside the historic basilica.

Eighteen-year-old scout Katiab Amaya said the festivities symbolized the enduring presence of Christians in the region. “It gives us hope that there’s still Christians here celebrating and we are still keeping the traditions,” she said.

The city had previously toned down celebrations during the Gaza war. The US-brokered ceasefire has paused full-scale fighting, but many in Gaza still face displacement and hardship. Amaya added, “These celebrations are more of hope to our people in Gaza… that they will one day celebrate and live life again.”

Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, led the traditional Midnight Mass at the Church of the Nativity after visiting Gaza to hold Christmas services at the Holy Family Parish.

Bethlehem residents hope the revival of Christmas celebrations will encourage tourists to return, aiding an economy heavily reliant on tourism that suffered during the conflict. George Hanna from nearby Beit Jala said, “Bethlehem is a very special place… What is Christmas without celebrating?”

Around the world, families gathered for Christmas Eve, while children eagerly awaited their presents. In Australia, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed somber reflection following a recent attack on a Hanukkah celebration, noting the sorrow felt across the country.

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