Bethlehem, a city significant to Christians, is resuming Christmas celebrations after two years of cancellations due to the Gaza war, marked by the lighting of a giant Christmas tree outside the Nativity Church. Mayor Maher Canawati acknowledges mixed feelings about the celebrations amid ongoing suffering in Gaza but emphasizes the importance of hope. Locals, both Christians and Muslims, are participating in festivities, while tourism is slowly returning. However, the economic outlook remains grim, with many families struggling to afford celebrations.
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