Hundreds of people gathered in Bethlehem’s Manger Square in the occupied West Bank to watch the lighting of a giant Christmas tree – as festive celebrations returned to the town for the first time since the Gaza war began.

People could be seen singing and dancing among the twinkling lights that adorned the square in front of the historic Nativity Church, while a Santa helped distribute sweet treats.

Residents welcomed the celebrations, with one saying she hoped “this light will lead us to better things ahead”.

Resuming celebrations was not without controversy, as suffering continues in Gaza, but Bethlehem Mayor Maher Canawati: “Deep inside my heart, I felt that this was the right thing to do because Christmas should never be stopped or cancelled.”

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