Lots of of individuals gathered in Bethlehem’s Manger Sq. within the occupied West Financial institution to look at the lighting of an enormous Christmas tree – as festive celebrations returned to the city for the primary time because the Gaza struggle started.
Folks may very well be seen singing and dancing among the many twinkling lights that adorned the sq. in entrance of the historic Nativity Church, whereas a Santa helped distribute candy treats.
Residents welcomed the celebrations, with one saying she hoped “this mild will lead us to higher issues forward”.
Resuming celebrations was not with out controversy, as struggling continues in Gaza, however Bethlehem Mayor Maher Canawati: “Deep inside my coronary heart, I felt that this was the proper factor to do as a result of Christmas ought to by no means be stopped or cancelled.”
