Palestinians in Bethlehem gathered for the first Christmas tree lighting ceremony in three years, aiming to revive tourism amid a severe economic crisis caused by Israeli restrictions. The event brought hope to the community, although celebrations were subdued with prayers for peace. The city has suffered a significant drop in visitors, leading to widespread unemployment and poverty. Despite the challenges, Bethlehem residents view the ceremony as an opportunity to showcase their resilience and readiness to welcome tourists in a bid to boost the struggling economy.
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