Thousands gathered in Bethlehem for Christmas celebrations for the first time since 2022, led by Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, with a return of the Christmas tree to Manger Square. Despite ongoing Israeli raids and settler attacks, the festivities marked a symbolic return to normalcy after two years of muted celebrations due to the war on Gaza. The economic impact of the conflict was evident, with Bethlehem’s unemployment surging and residents leaving in search of work, while international condemnation followed Israel’s plans to formalize illegal settlements in the West Bank.
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