Christmas joy returns to Bethlehem amid Israeli raids across West Bank
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Bethlehem held its first public Christmas celebrations since 2022 on December 24, 2025, after cancelling or muting festivities for two years due to the war on Gaza. Thousands gathered in Manger Square, where a Christmas tree replaced a war-time nativity display symbolizing devastation. Celebrations were led by Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, who called for a "Christmas full of light." Despite the return of celebrations, Bethlehem faces challenges due to ongoing Israeli raids in the West Bank, which have restricted movement and harmed the tourism-dependent economy. Unemployment in Bethlehem surged, and thousands of residents have left the city in search of work.
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AI-ExtractedAbout 4,000 residents left Bethlehem in search of work.
Unemployment in Bethlehem surged from 14 percent to 65 percent during the war on Gaza.
Thousands gather in Bethlehem for Christmas Eve celebrations, the first public ones since 2022.
Attacks by Israeli settlers against Palestinians have reached their highest level since 2006.
Since the start of Israel’s war on Gaza, its forces have carried out near-daily raids across the West Bank.
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