That economic lifeline vanished when war broke out in Gaza following the Hamas-led Oct. 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel.

Arise, shine, Bethlehem, for the light of peace has dawned anew.” With these words, Bethlehem celebrated the traditional ...

JERUSALEM — Following two years of subdued Christmas celebrations due to the ongoing Hamas-Israel war, this year the holiday ...

A giant Christmas tree adorned with red and gold baubles stands in the West Bank city of Bethlehem for the first time since ...

But as a precarious ceasefire in Gaza enters its second month, the city held a ceremony on Saturday night, lighting up the 20 ...

Bethlehem rejoiced with the festive celebration of lighting of a 20-metre Christmas tree at the edge of Manger Square Dec. 6 for the first time since December 2022 and the start of Israel-Hamas war 10 ...

People take photos in front of a Christmas tree at the Manger Square in Bethlehem, southern West Bank on Dec. 6, 2025.

After two somber and muted Christmas seasons, the city where Christ was born is preparing to celebrate again. The Palestinian ...

Bethlehem lights its Christmas tree for the first time since the Gaza war began, with the mayor calling Christmas “the light ...

BETHLEHEM, West Bank (Reuters) - As the Christmas decorations go up in Manger Square, Bethlehem is preparing for its best Christmas for two decades, the town's mayor and hoteliers say. Five new hotels ...

A store in Bethlehem has replaced the traditional manger scene with an olive wood carving of the Israeli wall that cuts Bethlehem off from Jerusalem. Dion Nissenbaum / MCT BETHLEHEM, West Bank — For ...

Churches in Bethlehem are observing Christmas this year without the usual celebrations, eschewing giant trees, sparkling lights and festive carols. Christmas Eve in Bethlehem is quiet this year - no ...