Thousands of people gathered in Bethlehem on Christmas Eve, marking the city’s first full celebration after two years of subdued observances during the war in Gaza. Families filled Manger Square with music and festivities as the city’s iconic Christmas tree returned after being absent throughout the conflict.
The celebrations were led by Pierbattista Pizzaballa, who arrived in Bethlehem in the traditional procession from Jerusalem. Calling for «a Christmas full of light,» he said the holiday symbolized hope after years of hardship.
Bethlehem, revered by Christians as the birthplace of Jesus, saw muted celebrations during the conflict, with tourism, a key pillar of the local economy, largely halted. Local officials say unemployment surged during the war, while thousands of residents left the city in search of work.
Despite the challenges, Wednesday’s celebrations drew crowds of local Christians and Muslims, along with a small number of foreign visitors. Many residents said the return of public festivities offered a rare sense of normality and optimism, even as tensions persist across the occupied West Bank.
As scout bands paraded through the streets and worshippers gathered near the Church of the Nativity, residents expressed hope that the revival of Christmas traditions could signal a gradual recovery for the historic city.
Kursiv Uzbekistan also reports that Fabio Cannavaro, head coach of Uzbekistan’s national football team, has taken part in the Olympic torch relay in his hometown of Naples.
