Bethlehem Celebrates Christmas After Two-Year Hiatus

Thousands of people celebrated Christmas in Bethlehem on Sunday. It was the first large celebration in the biblical town since the Israel-Hamas war began over two years ago. The festive gathering followed a major ceasefire agreement. The United States helped negotiate the truce between Israel and Hamas. For more than two years, conflict had severely limited celebrations. The traditional influx of pilgrims and tourists almost disappeared. This year, the ceasefire allowed public festivities to return to the city known as the birthplace of Jesus. Local clergy led Christmas Eve services. Families filled Manger Square, the historic center of the celebrations. The atmosphere was a mix of joy and relief for residents and visitors.